One Pot Macaroni and Cheese (Stovetop)

One Pot Macaroni and Cheese (Stovetop) is the perfect easy dish for busy weeknights. Best of all, packed with 3 favorite cheeses and ready in under 30 minutes!

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. This One Pot Macaroni and Cheese is a simple recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The best part is, you can ditch the blue box version and everything cooks up in just one pot.

One Pot Macaroni and Cheese (Stovetop)

What I love about this recipe is that you can just pour everything into a large heavy pot. Every so often, stir and you’ll have the creamiest and easiest mac & cheese.

Use your favorite combination of cheeses. I used: sharp cheddar, mozzarella and cream cheese.

And this stovetop macaroni and cheese is also great for cleaning out the fridge of any odds and ends you have. You can easily add in your favorite chopped vegetables or protein to make it a complete meal.

And of course, you are totally free to pop this in the oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to get that classic crunchy crust.

Cheesy, creamy and the ultimate comfort dish.

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Easy One Pot Stovetop Creamy Macaroni and Cheese + Recipe Video

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

Easy, homemade Macaroni & Cheese made all in one pot in under 30 minutes on the stove.

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: homemade mac and cheese, mac and cheese recipe

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 816 kcal

Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons butter
• 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk whole milk works best
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• 2 1/4 cups dry elbow macaroni uncooked
• 1 2/3 cups sharp cheddar freshly grated (not pre-packaged)
• 2/3 cups mozzarella cheese freshly grated (not pre-packaged)(can also use Swiss, Montery Jack, gouda, Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino instead)
• 1 2/3 cups sharp cheddar freshly grated (not pre-packaged)
• 6 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes (can also use Swiss, Monterey Jack, gouda, Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino instead)
• 2 slices provolone cheese for that extra gooeyness - feel free to leave out
• fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• toasted panko crumbs for garnish and crunch (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• bacon bits
• smoked paprika so good!
• cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat
• Worcestershire sauce for that extra punch of flavor just a teeny-tiny splash

Instructions

1. In a large heavy pot or dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and continue to whisk and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Whisk about 2/3 cup of milk and continue whisking - it will thicken up pretty quickly.
2. Continue to whisk in remaining milk until smooth. Then add water, salt, black pepper, and seasonings.
3. Pour in uncooked macaroni and continue stirring occasionally as it heats up and starts to boil. Lower heat and allow to cook for 11-13 minutes, stirring regularly. Once the sauce thickens and the macaroni is just cooked and tender, turn off heat and stir the cheeses in quickly. (The sauce thickens and reduces considerably after adding cheese). Remove from heat and adjust seasonings by adding more salt, black pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
4. Stir in toasted panko crumbs or any optional add-ins and serve immediately with fresh parsley. (Or feel free to toss under the broiler or in the oven for a few minutes for an extra crunchy crust).

Recipe Notes

**Feel free to use any combination of cheese you like or just use all ONE cheese if that's what you prefer. I would suggest extra sharp cheddar or something with more flavor and bite if only using ONE cheese.
*This recipe is pretty forgiving as long as you continue to stir the pasta as it cooks and allow the sauce to thicken and get creamy.
* The sauce thickens ALOT after you stir the cheese in and remove from heat. Continue stirring until mixed in and creamy.

TROUBLESHOOTING:
* If you take the pot off too late and the sauce becomes too thick, just add a splash of milk or water.
* If you take it off too early, just return the pot back on the stove.

Nutrition Facts

Easy One Pot Stovetop Creamy Macaroni and Cheese + Recipe Video

Amount Per Serving (1 bowl (1/6 recipe))

Calories 816 Calories from Fat 468

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 52g 80%

Saturated Fat 32g 160%

Cholesterol 156mg 52%

Sodium 1187mg 49%

Potassium 365mg 10%

Total Carbohydrates 52g 17%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 6g

Protein 33g 66%

Vitamin A 35%

Calcium 72.3%

Iron 9.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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