This is the creamiest stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe ever! It is good on it’s own or stir in some ham for a simple family pleasing dinner.
This macaroni and cheese is comfort food at it’s finest. It is quick to put together and makes the creamiest macaroni and cheese you’ve ever had.
In the time it takes to boil the noodles, you can throw together the sauce and chop the ham. Then all you have to do is toss it together and dinner is served.
If your family is anything like mine, creamy and cheesy are crowd pleasing words and this recipe is sure to get two thumbs up.
Macaroni and cheese is a staple at our dinner table. We love it in all of its forms.
Sometimes it is the boxed stuff with the powdered cheese. Lately we have been on a kick of making no boil baked macaroni and cheese.
That recipe is super simple and can quickly be thrown in the oven along with whatever else you are making. It really doesn’t get much easier.
We also really love making shells and cheese in the instant pot. That is another easy and delicious side dish that is loaded with cheesy goodness.
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But I know not everyone has an instant pot. Luckily lack of an appliance doesn’t have to keep you from good food.
We have been enjoying this yummy stovetop recipe for five or six years now and it doesn’t disappoint. It is easy. It is beyond creamy. It is super good.
Generally we toss in some diced ham to make an easy meal out of it (like macaroni and ham casserole). Making it the entrée instead of a side dish means you can take an extra big helping after all!
Of course, you can make it without the ham and serve it as a side as well. Maybe with some chicken or even some braised pork chops.
But when I am in a hurry, I like to throw as much as I can into that one pot. It makes cooking it so much easier, not to mention fewer dishes!
This is not a recipe that you want to break out the extra sharp cheddar for. It is too strong and will overpower you.
You want to think a nice mild cheese. I’ve used Colby, co-jack or a mix of mozzarella and something else.
And be sure to head the warning about tasting before salting. There is plenty of salt in the ingredients and you don’t want to overdo it.
Ok. So break out the pot and get to work. Your family will thank you!
Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz box pasta*
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz shredded cheese*
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups cubed ham optional
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.12 oz box pasta*
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the cream of chicken soup.3 Tablespoons butter, 1 can cream of chicken soup
- Add cheese, a little at a time. Stir until smooth and then add more until all cheese has been added.8 oz shredded cheese*
- Stir in milk until incorporated. Add in sour cream, pasta, and ham (if using). Mix until completely coated.½ cup milk, ½ cup sour cream, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1½ cups cubed ham
- Put on your comfy pants, fill up a big old bowl and get a spoon. This is going to be good!
Notes
However, we have used a 16 ounce box several times with great
results. A mild melting cheese is great for this recipe. Co-jack or
Monterey Jack work great. We also like a mix of half mozzarella
and half cheddar. We find using all sharp cheddar to be too strong
in this recipe.
Video
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This sounds like a good recipe for leftover ham after Thanksgiving! So glad you party with us at Merry Monday so we get these good recipes!
It is a great way to use up some leftovers!
YUM! This sounds A-MAZING!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Thank you!
I would have never thought to use a cream based soup!
Great recipe
Thanks Michelle
It really helps make it super creamy! Thanks, Michelle!
I haven't made homemade mac and cheese since last winter! I'm craving it now! I agree on the sharp cheddar, it does completely overpower everything else. I'm thinking mac and cheese for dinner now 😋
Mac and cheese sounds like a great dinner plan! I haven't made it in quite a while either, but it's that time of year again!
tee hee… "Put on your comfy pants". Love it, Carlee!
Sounds deli!cious! I've been trying to get over and see the recipe since I saw the photo on instagram
Ha! Thanks! It just seems a creamy bowl of mac and cheese should be eaten in the most comfortable way possible!
I love mac and cheese and this looks great! Nice post.
Thank you! I like the baked versions too, but sometimes you just want something quick and creamy!
Give me all the mac & cheese! My best friend loves ham and she loves mac & cheese so can you imagine how happy she's going to be when I bring her some of this goodness? She is the one who brought me the warm peach cobbler, so it's only right for me to return the favor with this deliciousness! Thanks friend!
Throw on some sweat pants and have both! Call it a night 😉 Thanks so much, Andrea!
If mac n cheese isn't creamy, I don't think it should be able to be called mac n' cheese. Yours is delish.
I agree! Sometimes the baked stuff is a bit dry for my taste. This is over the top creamy. It almost calls for a bowl and spoon!
It is definitely decadent and yummy. We all really enjoyed it and I am sure we will be making it frequently when fall rolls around again! Have a wonderful weekend!
I've been looking for an easier homemade version of Mac and cheese, so thank you, Carlee 🙂
Oh my, this one is decadent too! It takes out the hassle of making the roux and the time of baking it and just leaves you with a super creamy and crazy good cheese fest.
I just wish I had some of your cool accessories for a better presentation! Every once in a while my grandma unloads something cool in my direction. I have her mom's china and her old punch bowl. She says she has been using the same dang things for 60 years and she is ready for something new. Fine by me 😉