Stovetop Mac & Cheese with Sharp Cheddar & Parmesan

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes

This is my take on classic Kraft — rich, creamy, and deeply cheesy — but made with real-deal ingredients and a silky stovetop sauce that comes together in minutes. We’re using sharp cheddar, nutty parmesan, a splash of cream, and just a touch of dijon and garlic to round it all out. It’s still nostalgic, but way more luxe.

A creamy bowl of mac and cheese with a sharp cheddar sauce.

The magic of this version is that it stays true to what made the original so lovable: quick, comforting, and unapologetically cheesy. But instead of powdered cheese, you’re melting real shredded sharp cheddar into a light béchamel base, finishing it with parm and a whisper of mustard for balance. It coats every noodle with glossy, golden goodness.

Whether you eat it straight from the pot with a spoon (respect) or serve it as a side to roast chicken or burgers, this mac hits the craving and the grown-up palate at the same time.

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Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: ~475

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or shells, cavatappi, etc.)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1/2 cup cream)

• 1 tsp dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced or grated

• 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/8 tsp cayenne (optional, but adds warmth)

• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan

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Steps

Step 1

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then whisk in flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture smells toasty but not burnt.

Step 3

Slowly whisk in milk and mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.

Step 4

Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).

Step 5

Add the drained pasta and stir until fully coated in sauce. Serve hot and melty.

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Make it your own!

• 🧄 Stir in roasted garlic for deep savory flavor.

• 🧀 Mix up the cheeses — try gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda.

• 🥓 Add crispy pancetta or bacon for salty crunch.

• 🌿 Fold in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie boost.

• 🧆 Make it spicy with a spoonful of chili crisp or hot sauce.

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Try it with…

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