A rich and creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe unlike any box mix you might find at the store.
The thing that sets this mac and cheese apart from other mac and cheeses is this recipe calls for creme fraiche.
The creme fraiche adds a luxurious creaminess and a subtle tangy quality. I use it as I'd use a sour cream or a plain Greek yogurt.
There is no perfect recipe for macaroni and cheese. The reason for this is that everyone has their own preference.
Some people prefer a rich and creamy mac and cheese that starts with a roux, some like the dump in a baking dish and bake version and some will throw down over which is the better topping between buttery cracker crumbs and breadcrumbs.
I like them all.
I like to test every mac and cheese recipe I find on the internet, TikTok and create my own version.
One of my most popular mac and cheese recipes is probably one of the easiest recipes on this blog - Instant Pot Velveeta Mac and Cheese.
I don't always have time for a full on baked mac and cheese which is why you see me mostly making stovetop mac and cheese.
Here's the thing with mac and cheese - use cheese you like and that melt well or a combination of cheeses.
I tend to use whatever is in my fridge. I mostly like to grate my own cheese because it does make a difference but it won't be the end of the world if you can't. Just know the stuff in the bag has some powdery stuff in there that doesn't always lend well to a beautiful cheese sauce.
When I make a mac and cheese, I tend to use a small shell. You can use elbows, even a penne or a rigtoni if you like.
Printable Recipe Card
Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta shells work great
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 oz crème fraiche
- 1.5 C shredded cheddar jack cheese
- ¼ C freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ⅛ t nutmeg
- 2 T butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ C chicken broth warmed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta as directed on box.
- Return pasta to pan. Add garlic, crème fraiche, cheeses, nutmeg, salt and pepper and butter. Stir well to mix.
- Stir in a little of the warmed chicken broth, about 1-2 T at a time, until desired consistency.
- Serve immediately.
foodyschmoody says
Thank YOU, it's so great to have a gluten free option!
Danita @O Taste And See says
Thanks for including my Mac and Cheese! Great round-up! Sharing on my social media today! Have a blessed weekend.
foodyschmoody says
Thanks so much Danita, yours looks yummy!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
Love mac and cheese...it's the ultimate comfort food! This is a great roundup - pinning it now!
foodyschmoody says
Thanks so much Michelle!
Emily says
This is a great round up. I love Mac and Cheese, and so do my boys!
Laurie @Food is Love says
Fantastic Post! Stove Top Mac and Cheese is Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing it and for sharing my Easiest Lobster Mac and Cheese!
Nicole Neverman says
Yum!! All of the recipes looks absolutely wonderful!
foodyschmoody says
Thanks so much Nicole, I was lucky enough to get a great group of gals to share!
Sandra - The Foodie Affair says
They all look so good! I don't know which one I should make first!!
nancy@skinnykitchen.com says
What a delicious collection of mac and cheese recipes Christine. Thanks for sharing!
foodyschmoody says
Oh thanks so much for that Nancy. I was lucky enough to get a talented group of ladies to help me out w/ their recipes
Lori Who Needs A Cape? says
Thanks for including our Roasted Garlic & Bacon Macaroni and Cheese! Your recipe sounds fabulous!
Kelly says
There is no better comfort food than mac n cheese- and these all look awesome! Thanks for putting them all in one place!
foodyschmoody says
Thanks! I was impressed w/ the recipes the other girls lent me
Ricki @ The Questionable Homesteader says
I'm a big fan of mac & cheese (and I don't have any kids to blame it on) so I will have to try all the meatless options listed above to find the best one for me 😉 (oh and I too do the blue box thing once in a while - I just buy the one with the vegetable pasta so I can say there is nutritional value in it)
Thanks for sharing at The Weekend Social
Ricki
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas says
Those all look very yummy, so many good dished to choose from. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!
dina says
it looks sooo good!