Table of Contents
This best mac and cheese recipe delivers creamy stovetop perfection for home cooks using basic pantry items like elbow macaroni sharp cheddar and evaporated milk. Cooks up in 25 mins with simple steps for pasta and cheese sauce. Includes baked variation for crunchy top plus side pairings like grilled chicken or salad to complete the meal.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
What makes this the best mac and cheese recipe? | It uses pantry staples cooks in 25 mins on stovetop and gives creamy gooey results everyone loves. |
What key ingredients does it need? | You need 1 lb elbow macaroni 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar 2 cans evaporated milk and basics like butter flour salt. |
How do you make the stovetop version? | Boil pasta make roux with butter flour add milks and cheese then mix with pasta and serve hot. |
Can you bake this mac and cheese? | Yes mix stovetop version pour in dish top with extra cheese and bake at 350F for 20-25 mins til golden. |
What sides pair well with it? | Grilled chicken green salad steamed broccoli or BBQ ribs balance the cheesy richness perfectly. |
Why this stands as the best mac and cheese recipe for home cooks.
This best mac and cheese recipe tops lists for home cooks. It uses basic pantry items. Everyone loves the creamy result.
Cooks make it in under 30 mins on stovetop. Kids and adults dig it every time.
- Needs just pasta cheese milk butter basics
- No special tools just pot and spoon
- Turns out cheesy gooey perfect
- Folks rate it 5 stars online
- Works for weeknights or parties
Check our best creamy baked mac and cheese recipe for oven fans too.
Home cooks swear by this version over boxed stuff. It beats takeout comfort food hands down.
Gather simple ingredients that make the creamiest mac and cheese.
This best mac and cheese recipe uses pantry staples for max creaminess.
Pick sharp cheddar it melts smooth.
Evap milk keeps sauce thick no curdle.
Ingredients list for 8 servings
Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
Elbow macaroni | 1 lb |
Sharp cheddar shredded | 4 cups |
Evaporated milk | 2 cans 12oz each |
Whole milk | 1 cup |
Butter | 1/2 cup |
Flour | 1/4 cup |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Mustard powder opt | 1 tsp |
See 5 best cheeses for mac and cheese for swaps.
These mix into velvety sauce every time.
Follow these easy steps to cook perfect mac and cheese.
This best mac and cheese recipe cooks fast on stovetop.
Prep pasta first
- Boil 1 lb elbow macaroni in salted water til al dente bout 7 mins.
- Drain rinse cold stop cook. Set aside.
Make cheese sauce
- Melt 1/2 cup butter in pot med heat.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup flour cook 1 min no lumps.
- Slow pour 2 cans evap milk 1 cup whole milk whisk smooth.
- Add 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 tsp mustard powder if ya want.
- Bring simmer stir til thickens 5 mins.
- Turn heat low dump in 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar stir melt fully.
Combine serve
- Mix cheese sauce with pasta til coated.
- Serve hot right away creamy bliss.
Total time 25 mins. For crock pot twist see best crock pot mac and cheese recipe.
Stir often sauce stays smooth no break.
Explore baked and stovetop variations of the best mac and cheese.
Stovetop best mac and cheese recipe gives creamy sauce fast.
Baked version adds crunchy top keeps inside gooey.
Stovetop quickie
- Mix pasta sauce serve hot 25 mins total
- Perfect weeknights no oven heat
- Sauce stays silky stir once done
Baked twist
- Follow stovetop steps mix pasta sauce
- Pour into greased 9x13 dish
- Top with 1 cup extra shredded cheddar breadcrumbs opt
- Bake 350F 20-25 mins til bubbly golden
Variation | Cook Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Stovetop | 25 mins | Quick meals |
Baked | 45 mins | Parties crowds |
Both deliver top best mac and cheese recipe vibes.
Pick based on time crunchy crave.
Pair your mac and cheese with sides for a complete meal.
This best mac and cheese recipe shines with smart sides.
Balance cheesy richness with fresh crisp bites.
Classic pairings
- Grilled chicken adds protein keeps it light
- Green salad with vinaigrette cuts creaminess
- Steamed broccoli brings veggies easy roast too
- BBQ ribs make hearty feast weekends
Quick side table
Side | Prep Time | Why Pairs |
|---|---|---|
Caesar salad | 10 mins | Fresh crunch |
Roast veggies | 20 mins | Earthy flavor |
Hot dogs | 5 mins | Kid fave |
Slaw | 5 mins | Cool tang |
These turn best mac and cheese into full dinner.
Mix match ya mood.