Easy Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

This stovetop mac and cheese is a super-easy way to make macaroni and cheese that doesn’t require baking. Ready in minutes and always a big hit with the kids.

When my kids were little, in order to get everyone to eat their dinner, I tried to make simple kid-friendly recipes like this mac and cheese, pizza in a muffin tin, oven-baked nachos, and muffin tin tacos.

This mac and cheese recipe is awesome for picky eaters! I’ve found that a lot of kids shy away from baked mac and cheese because of the crust—it might be a texture thing or just how it looks. This version is made on the stovetop, so it’s super creamy and tasty. Honestly, I haven’t met a kid who doesn’t love it! We always make it for our summer BBQs; it’s a go-to side dish that’s great for kids. But don’t worry, adults love it too—it’s just that good!

Ingredients

 Salt

6 Cups of Water

2 Cups of Elbow Noodles

2 Tbs. of Butter

1 cup of Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese. Do not substitute another cheese here. The Mexican Blend is the most kid-friendly and is what gives it its mild yet delicious cheese flavor.

1 Cup of Milk – add up to 1/2 cup more, if needed to thin the cheese sauce out

2 Tbsp. of flour

Equipment Needed

Large Pot

Yields 6 good-sized portions

Instructions

• Add water to a large pot. Stir in 2 tsp. of salt.
• Heat water to a boil and add elbow noodles.
• Cook pasta a couple of minutes past al dente until it is soft.
•  Drain the Pasta, and return it to a large pot.
• In another saucepan, melt butter.

• Whisk in flour

• Add cheese and milk

• Stir until a sauce forms – add more milk if needed to thin the sauce. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and easily poured out.
• Salt to taste. *Don’t forget that salt was already added to the water, so the pasta should be a little salty. Taste it before you add more.
• Pour sauce over the drained macaroni noodles.

• Serve Warm. It’s best if served right away, so the cheese is nice and gooey.

Pro Tip

Taste test the mac and cheese before and after adding salt. You don’t want to oversalt the macaroni and cheese.

Variations

Spicy Mac and Cheese – Fold in red pepper flakes for a little kick

Cruncy Toppings – Sprinkle Ritz crackers over mac and cheese

Protein – Add cooked chicken to mac and cheese

Vegetables – Fold in cooked cauliflower or spinach