Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Oh, hello creamy, dreamy, Stovetop Mac and Cheese! This isn’t just any mac and cheese—this is the ultimate gooey, cheesy, comfort food that your taste buds have been waiting for. This dish is everything you love about mac and cheese, but even better because it’s made right on the stovetop. No baking required—just pure, cheesy magic in a pot!

I’ll confess – I grew up with the occasional indulgence of Kraft mac and cheese. We didn’t eat it often, my mom mostly made things from scratch. No, this iconic blue box with it’s neon brightly powdered cheese was mostly devoured when I would sleep over my friend Lynn’s house and we’d stay up on Saturday night to watch Saturday Night Live – when it was good. Laughing our butts off to Roassana Danna, Gumby, The Blues Brothers and Steve Martin.

…aahhh, the good ‘ole days.

Anywho, every once in a while I get this huge craving for mac and cheese. When I get a craving it usually doesn’t go away – like for days and weeks – until I cave.

So I caved. And created this.

What Goes In This Mac and Cheese?

• First up, elbow macaroni. It’s the classic shape, perfect for soaking up all that glorious cheese sauce.
• Next, we’ve got half and half (or milk, if that’s what you’ve got), which makes the sauce super creamy without being too heavy.
• To thicken things up just right, we’re adding a little cornstarch—think of it as the secret ingredient for that luscious texture.
• Cheese – oh how I love cheese. Smoked gouda and sharp cheddar is a combination I have found to be dreamworthy. The gouda brings that rich, smoky flavor, while sharp cheddar adds that tangy bite. If you’re not into smoked cheese, I get it, regular gouda is just as good!
• We’re also throwing in a touch of mustard powder and paprika to give the sauce some extra depth and pizzazz.
• Salt and pepper? Absolutely—seasoning is key!

How to Whip Up This Mac and Cheese?

• Grab your favorite pot and get ready to fall in love with mac and cheese all over again! Start by cooking your elbow macaroni just until it’s al dente. Drain it and set it aside.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together half and half with cornstarch until it’s smooth.
• Then, warm up this mixture in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it starts to simmer and thicken.
• Lower the heat and start adding your shredded cheeses slowly, stirring until everything’s melted and smooth.

• Mix in the mustard powder and paprika, then toss in your cooked macaroni. Stir until it’s all beautifully coated and heated through.
• Voilà! You’ve got a pot of creamy, cheesy bliss ready to be devoured.

There’s just something about a creamy, cheesy bowl of stovetop mac and cheese that makes everything right in the world, isn’t there? This recipe brings together the smoky richness of gouda with the sharp bite of cheddar for a flavor combo that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s a quick and easy go-to for those nights when you crave comfort without all the fuss. Plus, with a hint of mustard powder and paprika, it has just the right amount of zing.

WANT TO MAKE A MEAL OUT OF IT?

• Grilled Chicken: I love pairing stovetop mac and cheese with juicy grilled chicken. The smoky, marinated flavor is the perfect match for the creamy richness of the pasta.
• St. Louis Ribs: When I’m in the mood for something extra indulgent, I go for tender St. Louis ribs. The tangy BBQ sauce and cheesy mac and cheese are a mouthwatering combination.
• Pulled Pork: Pulled pork is always a hit with mac and cheese in my house. The slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of the pork with a touch of barbecue sweetness makes it a perfect match.

STOVETOP MAC AND CHEESE
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