Looking for an easy creamy mac and cheese recipe that your family will love? This simple stovetop version requires no baking and is ready in about 35 minutes. It’s the ultimate cheesy comfort food for a busy weeknight.
What You Will Need:
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of crushed black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 cups of warm whole milk
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of monterey jack cheese
- 12 ounces of uncooked pasta of your choice
The Secret to the Creamiest Sauce (Cheese and Milk Tips)
I have not tried to use anything else but whole cheeses and whole milk in this recipe. Nut milk will work but it may not combine as well. I did use monterey jack cheese along with the cheddar cheese because monterey jack cheese is a great melting cheese. That was just my choice but you can use whatever cheese that does it for you!
My other suggestion is to freshly grate your cheese. Pre-packaged grated cheese is coated with an anti-caking substance that will keep the cheese from sticking together. This substance may affect the way the cheese melts. Freshly grating cheese takes seconds and will make your mac and cheese blend better. Easy creamy mac and cheese goes well with my two ingredient turkey burger. A great family friendly pairing!
Combining the Ingredients
The combination of the ingredients in this recipe is very easy, however, you do need to keep your eye on it while it is cooking. When combining the flour and spices with the butter, the flour needs to cook for a few minutes to cook off the raw taste of the flour. The mixture will also change color a bit. After the flour is mixed and cooked, add the warm whole milk and combine. You will see the flour mixture clumps disappear into the milk mixture.
Next, add the sour cream and combine. Turn the heat to medium-low and continue to stir the mixture. The mixture will thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. This means that the mixture will coat the back of a spoon in a thin layer without all of it running off.
Next, mix in the cheese and stir until it is melted and combined. Then place the cooked pasta in an appropriately sized bowl. Then pour the cheese mixture over the pasta and combine. I feel it is best to serve right away but you can leave it covered until serving.
If you like this family friendly meal try my swiss cheese chicken bake or city chicken recipe.
FAQ’s:
For the creamiest sauce, it’s best to use a combination of a good melting cheese and a cheese with a strong flavor. Monterey Jack is excellent for a smooth, melty texture, while a sharp cheddar provides that classic mac and cheese taste. Other great options include Gruyère, Colby, and Fontina.
A grainy sauce is often caused by the heat being too high when you add the cheese. To prevent this, always turn the heat down to low before stirring in your freshly shredded cheese. Also, shredding your own cheese is key, as the additives in pre-shredded cheese can prevent a smooth melt.
This mac and cheese is best served immediately for the creamiest texture. If you need to make it ahead, you can prepare the cheese sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to the mac and cheese and gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until it’s heated through. This will help restore its creamy consistency.
You can easily customize this recipe! Try stirring in cooked bacon, steamed broccoli, or pulled pork after you combine the pasta and cheese sauce. For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe (No Bake)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of crushed black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 cups of warm whole milk
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of shredded monterey jack cheese
- 12 ounces of uncooked pasta of your choice
Method
- Boil pasta according to directions on the package.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until combined and continue mixing for 1-2 minutes.
- Mix in milk until well combined.
- Mix in sour cream until well combined.
- Turn heat to medium- low and continue heating and stirring mixture until thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add the cheeses and mix until the cheeses are melted.
- Add pasta and combine.
Very easy to make! Simple ingredients and delicious! My family loves it!
Thank you for the wonderful comment! I am glad you family enjoyed the mac and cheese.