This Stovetop Mac and Cheese is creamy, delicious and features al dente pasta, melty cheese, and a rich roux for the perfect comforting meal. This classic comfort food is easy to make in under 30 minutes.
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Updated October 2023
Ultimate Stovetop Mac and Cheese: Creamy, Cheesy, and Oven-Free
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect comfort food, look no further! This Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy delight that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or just a mac and cheese enthusiast, we’ve got you covered with customizable options.
With our easy Mac and Cheese recipe, you can have dinner ready in around 30 minutes without having to turn on the oven making it faster to savor every gooey, cheesy bite. And you can easily make it your own depending on your dietary preferences for the most crowd-pleasing, unforgettable dish that your entire family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the perfect Mac and Cheese Magic
The secret to making the best stovetop mac and cheese lies in the choice of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pasta: Start with your preferred pasta choice. We recommend gluten-free elbow macaroni or Cavatappi pasta. However, you can use regular Cavatappi pasta or Cellentani if you’re not gluten-free or grain-free.
- Butter or Vegan Butter: We love the rich flavor of ghee or unsalted butter, but you can opt for vegan butter if you’re dairy-free. We recommend brands like Miyokos.
- Flour: Choose between gluten-free fine oat flour, cassava flour, gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour, or all-purpose flour if you’re not gluten-free.
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or your milk of choice.
- Seasonings: You’ll need sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper for a little kick. Don’t forget the optional gluten-free (or regular) Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese: Opt for freshly grated sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the creamiest result. However, if you’re dairy-free, there are excellent alternatives like Violife, Chao, or Miyokos.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess to your mac and cheese. Choose dairy-free alternatives like Kite-Hill if needed.
- Provolone Cheese: For that extra gooeyness factor, add Provolone slices. Of course, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives such as Violife, Miyokos, or Chao.
- Garnish: Freshly chopped parsley and toasted gluten-free (or regular) Panko crumbs are optional for garnishing. If you’re going for a grain-free option, consider finely crushed grain-free crackers or pork rinds.
Instructions: How to make Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil your choice of pasta until it’s al dente, then drain and set it aside.
- Create the Roux: In a clean pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Add about 2/3 cup of milk and continue whisking until it thickens.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the remaining milk, salt, black pepper, and seasonings. Reduce the heat, then add the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese.
Stir in the drained pasta and top with Provolone cheese. Adjust seasonings and add more milk for desired creaminess. - Serve: Optionally, stir in toasted Panko crumbs or add any other desired toppings. Serve your mac and cheese immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. For extra crunch, you can also broil it for a few minutes.
Tips for Success
With these helpful tips, you’re all set to make a mouthwatering stovetop mac and cheese that’s tailored to your liking. Enjoy your homemade cheesy masterpiece!
- Cook the Pasta Just Right: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
- Whisk the Roux: When making the roux, whisk continuously to avoid lumps. It should be smooth and slightly thickened.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Don’t forget to add more milk if you want a creamier texture.
- Get Creative: Experiment with optional add-ins like bacon bits, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.
Serving Suggestions
Our Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser on its own, but you can elevate the experience with some protein like our Baked Chicken Breasts, Perfect Grilled Salmon or some sides.
A simple cucumber tomato salad, air fryer roasted vegetables, or even a slice of garlic bread will complement this dish perfectly.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your mac and cheese.
Swap out the pasta, use different cheeses, or add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. This creamy mac and cheese recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
Refrigeration: If you happen to have leftovers (although we can’t promise there will be any), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing: You can also freeze mac and cheese for future indulgence. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and it should stay good for up to three months.
Reheating: To thaw and reheat, just pop it in the oven or microwave until it’s heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free or grain-free options?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite regular pasta like Cavatappi or Cellentani if you’re not following a gluten-free or grain-free diet.
Q2: What can I use as a dairy-free alternative for butter and cheese?
For butter, you can substitute with vegan butter, and for cheese, there are fantastic dairy-free options like Violife, Chao, Miyokos, or Kite-Hill.
Q3: Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When reheating, use the stovetop or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze the mac and cheese?
Absolutely! Freeze it in a container for up to three months. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q5: What are some optional add-ins for extra flavor?
You can enhance your mac and cheese with bacon bits, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to add a kick of heat.
Q6: How can I customize this recipe to my taste?
Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients, different cheeses, or alternative seasonings to create a mac and cheese that suits your unique preferences.
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This Stovetop Mac and Cheese is creamy, delicious and features al dente pasta, melty cheese, and a rich roux for the perfect comforting meal. This classic comfort food is easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- 1/4 cups uncooked gluten-free elbow macaroni or Cavatappi pasta , feel free to use another small pasta of your choice. For a grain-free option, we like Jovial Cassava Flour Pasta or Cappello's Almond Flour Pasta. You can also use regular elbow pasta, Cavatappi pasta or Cellentani if not gluten-free or grain-free.
- 7 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter , you can also sub with vegan butter for dairy-free. We like Miyokos.
- 7 tbsp gluten-free fine oat flour , cassava flour, gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour or all purpose flour if you're not gluten-free
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk , or (dairy-free or regular) milk of your choice.
- 1 tsp sea salt , plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper plus to taste , plus more to taste
- 1-1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper , optional
- 2 tsp gluten-free , or regular Worcestershire sauce, optional
- 1-2/3 cups sharp cheddar , freshly grated works best. You can also use preferred dairy-free cheese of your choice such as Violife or Chao.
- 2/3 cups mozzarella cheese , freshly grated works best (you can also use Swiss, Monterey Jack, gouda, Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino instead). You can also use preferred dairy-free cheese of your choice such as Miyokos.
- 6 ounces cream cheese , cut into cubes (you can also use Swiss, Montery Jack, gouda, Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino instead). You can also use preferred dairy-free cheese of your choice such as Kite-Hill.
- 2 slices Provolone cheese , for that extra gooeyness factor - leave out if desired. You can also use preferred dairy-free cheese of your choice such as Violife Miyokos or Chao.
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish , optional
- Toasted gluten-free , or regular Panko crumbs, for garnish (optional). For a grain-free option, you use finely crushed grain-free crackers or pork rinds.
- Bacon bits
- Smoked Paprika
- Red Pepper Flakes for a kick of heat
- Bring a large heavy bottomed pot or a dutch oven of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 6 minutes, or until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Rinse and wipe down the same pot and 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.
- Continue to whisk in remaining milk until smooth. Then add salt, black pepper, and seasonings. Turn heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Mozzarella, and cream cheese. Add drained macaroni, top with Provolone and stir to coat evenly. Remove from heat and adjust seasonings by adding more salt, black pepper, and other seasonings to taste. Add more milk as needed for a creamier sauce.
- 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).
**Feel free to use any combination of cheese you like or just use all ONE cheese if that's what you prefer. We would suggest extra sharp cheddar or something with more flavor and bite if only using ONE cheese.
Refrigeration: If you happen to have leftovers (although we can't promise there will be any), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it up on low over the stovetop with a little bit of milk or cover the top in the microwave.
Freezing: You can also freeze mac and cheese for future indulgence. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and it should stay good for up to three months.
Reheating: To thaw and reheat, just pop it in the oven or microwave until it's heated through.
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