Ready for the ultimate comfort food fix? This creamy, cheesy 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese proves you don’t need a long shopping list to whip up something blissful. Five pantry staples come together in a simple, one-pot recipe that’s rich, satisfying, and perfectly nostalgic—the kind of mac and cheese that makes you close your eyes and sigh with every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or just craving a bowl for yourself, this dish is pure magic in its effortless deliciousness.

5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese a weeknight hero is its short ingredient list. Each item is easy to find, and they all play a crucial role—from texture to taste and even color—in making every mouthful a cozy delight.

Elbow macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese! Its little tubes are perfect for trapping creamy sauce in every bite.
Butter: Gives the sauce a deliciously rich base and makes everything silky smooth.
All-purpose flour: This is essential for thickening the sauce without any lumps, creating that classic velvety consistency.
Milk (2% or whole): Brings the creaminess factor, so don’t skimp—whole milk makes it especially luxurious.
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): The star of the show! Sharp cheddar gives that bold, tangy cheese flavor you expect in a truly great mac and cheese.
Salt and pepper (optional): Perfect for adjusting flavor to your liking right at the end.

How to Make 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start off strong by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt the water if you’d like an added layer of flavor, then cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente—tender with a little bite. This keeps the noodles from becoming mushy once they’ve been coated in that glorious cheese sauce. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside—no need to rinse, as those starchy surfaces help the sauce cling!

Step 2: Make the Roux

Return the pot to the stove and melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it in until you have a smooth, thick paste. This roux is the secret to a lump-free, velvety sauce. Let it cook for a minute or two, just enough to lose that raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown. Patience here pays off in creamy dividends!

Step 3: Whisk In the Milk

Time for the sauce to come together! Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. It’ll look loose at first, but keep stirring and watch as it thickens into a dreamy, glossy base. Lower the heat to avoid scorching and whisk gently until the sauce coats the back of a spoon—usually just a few minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Take the pot off the heat and sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar a handful at a time. Stir carefully until the cheese melts and the sauce turns stretchy-smooth and gloriously orange. If you add the cheese too quickly or keep it on high heat, it can get grainy—slow and steady wins the cheese race!

Step 5: Combine and Adjust

Now for the main event—tumble in your cooked macaroni and stir until every nook and cranny is coated with cheese sauce. Want it saucier? Add a splash more milk. If it needs to thicken a bit more, return the pot to low heat for a minute, stirring constantly. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Your 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese is ready!

How to Serve 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Sometimes, a sprinkle is all it takes to transform a classic bowl! Try topping your 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese with a bit more shredded cheddar, a shake of smoked paprika, or even some chopped fresh chives. For the crunch lovers, a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits takes things over the top—just let your tastebuds lead the way.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese is hearty enough to stand on its own but also plays well with others. Pair it with a crisp green salad for some fresh contrast, or serve alongside roasted broccoli, glazed carrots, or sautéed spinach. Need extra comfort? Spoon it up with a juicy roast chicken or your favorite meatloaf for the ultimate soul-warming meal.

Creative Ways to Present

The beauty of 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese is its flexibility. Spoon it into cute ramekins for individual servings, or pile it high in a large, colorful bowl family-style. You can even bake it under the broiler for a minute to get a golden, bubbly top—just move it to a heatproof dish first! For parties, serve in mini cups with little topping bars for DIY mac fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make it ahead for easy weeknight dinners or a speedy lunch you’ll look forward to.

Freezing

You can freeze 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese, though it’s best right out of the pot. If you do freeze, make sure it’s fully cooled, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheating is a snap! Warm your mac and cheese gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive that creamy texture. Stir often and avoid overheating, which can make the sauce separate—take your time and you’ll be rewarded with cheesy perfection all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese, you can swap in a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even mozzarella for different flavors and melting qualities. Just be sure whatever you use is a good melting cheese for that signature sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for thickening sauces.

What can I add for extra flavor?

If you want to personalize your 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese, try stirring in a pinch of mustard powder, garlic powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce. Even a handful of sautéed onions or cooked veggies can add texture and taste—get creative!

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! This recipe easily doubles to feed a crowd (or to guarantee leftovers). Just make sure you have a large enough pot for stirring and keep to the same method for best results.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

Grainy sauce usually happens when the cheese is added to liquid that’s too hot, causing it to seize up. Always remove the pot from the heat before stirring in the cheese, and add it slowly while stirring—this will give you the smooth, luscious finish every mac and cheese lover dreams of.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain joy in sharing a meal that’s as easy and satisfying as this 5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese. Whether you’re a beginner or a lifelong foodie, this recipe is a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Give it a try soon—your tastebuds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

5- Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This quick and easy stovetop mac and cheese recipe requires just five simple ingredients for a deliciously creamy dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni:

16 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (2% or whole milk work best)
16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain well.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in the pot, stir in flour to make a paste, then slowly add milk. Cook until thickened.
Add Cheese: Remove sauce from heat and slowly stir in shredded cheese until smooth.
Combine and Heat: Mix in the cooked pasta until well combined and hot. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

This mac and cheese can be customized with different cheeses or added ingredients like bacon or broccoli.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of mustard powder or cayenne to the cheese sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American