Easy Cheddar Parmesan Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Few things are as satisfying as a bowl of creamy, homemade stovetop mac and cheese – and this easy cheddar Parmesan stovetop mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food. For me, mac and cheese started as a simple comfort craving and quickly turned into a full-blown obsession. After countless taste tests and experiments, I finally perfected my go-to recipe with the goodness you see here.. With sharp cheddar bringing that classic creamy goodness and Parmesan adding a savory, sophisticated finish, this recipe will have you (and anyone you share it with) coming back for seconds. It’s my tried-and-true pairing that never fails, perfect for both satisfying comfort food cravings and for building on as a base for more adventurous mac creations.

This classic cheddar and Parmesan stovetop mac and chees is sure to win over even the most loyal boxed mac and cheese fans. With just a few simple ingredients and tried-and-true techniques, you’ll create a dish that’s far richer and more satisfying than anything from a box. Once you master this recipe, there’s no turning back—homemade mac and cheese will be your new go-to comfort food!

Note: This article contains affiliate links to products that I love and use to make mac and cheese in my own kitchen. When you click links here and make a purchase from retailers like Instacart or Amazon, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, see my Affiliate Link Policy.

The Perfect Combination of Cheeses

Extra Sharp Cheddar

Extra sharp cheddar is the foundation of this recipe, you with bold, immediate flavor in every bite. Its sharp, tangy taste defines that classic mac and cheese flavor we all love, while providing us with a smooth, creamy sauce. I used Kroger Extra Sharp Cheddar (buy from Kroger on Instacart), but Tillamook Extra Sharp White Cheddar and Cabot Seriously Sharp (available on Instacart from Aldi) are excellent options too. The sharp, tangy flavor provides that classic mac and cheese taste we all love.

Parmesan

Parmesan Is the finishing touch in this recipe, developing its nutty, savory flavor as you eat. It rounds out the bowl beautifully and extends the cheesy flavor from the cheddar through the end of the bite. Like cheddar, Parmesan(buy from Aldi on Instacart) is a staple in my fridge for mac and cheese emergencies.Its complex flavor profile makes it the perfect finishing cheese cheese for any combination.

A note about grating

The secret to silky smooth mac and cheese starts with freshly grated cheese. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it contains anti-caking agents that leave your sauce grainy and prevent it from melting properly. Taking a few extra minutes to grate your cheese by hand will give you that perfectly creamy sauce that makes homemade mac and cheese special. If grating feels like a workout, this is my favorite rotary cheese grater. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Tips for Success

Choosing Opener and Closer Cheeses

This recipe (and many others on this site!) is easily adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different opener and closer cheeses to see what works best for you. If your cheese has a more bold, upfront flavor, swap it out for the same amount of cheddar in this recipe. If your cheese stands out more at the end of the bite, swap it for the Parmesan. This recipe encourages you to explore the cheese section and discover new favorites. You can learn more about how I use cheeses in mac and cheese at Using Cheese in Mac and Cheese.

Pasta Selection

While elbow pasta is the classic choice for mac and cheese, this sauce works beautifully with a variety of medium-sized shapes. Feel free to explore the pasta aisle and pick a shape that looks the most fun but remember texture is key! Aim for something with plenty of ridges to hold onto the sauce. Pasta like rotini or cavatappi have lots of pockets for cheesy goodness, so each bite is full of flavor.

Whichever shape you choose, don’t overcook it. Mushy pasta will ruin your mac and cheese experience, and nobody wants that!

Toppings and Mix-Ins

This versatile sauce is easily adaptable to any toppings or mix-ins you have on hand. The cheddar and Parmesan flavors blend together into a classic mac and cheese base that works well with just about any topping. Stir in some jarred jalapeños for a spicy kick, or top with leftover pulled pork for a smoky, savory twist.

Add a Fork

One of the best things about this easy cheddar Parmesan stovetop mac and cheese recipe is how versatile it is. You could easily swap in other complementary cheeses, add your favorite toppings or mix-ins, or even try fun pasta shapes. It’s delicious on its own, but also the perfect base for experimenting. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your twist on it!

Easy Cheddar Parmesan Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you only try one mac and cheese recipe, make it this one. It’s my absolute favorite. It’s simple, foolproof, and endlessly adaptable. Keep the ingredients on hand and you’ll have the perfect base for experimenting with different cheeses or toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 308 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 16 Oz Pasta Cooked according to package directions
• 3 Tbsp Butter
• 3 Tbsp Flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 3/4 Cup Parmesan grated or chopped into small pieces.
• 1 Cup Extra Sharp Cheddar grated or chopped into small pieces
• 1 Tbsp Better than Bouillon Chicken flavor
• salt to taste
• Green Onions Thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat the milk in the microwave for 45 seconds – just enough to take the chill off.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until foamy.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, 1/4 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in the bouillon.
• Once all the milk is added, cook for a few minutes while whisking—do not let it boil. The sauce will thicken slightly. It’s ready for cheese when a small amount rubbed between your fingers feels silky.
•  Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until fully melted and smooth.
• Once the cheese is incorporated, taste the sauce with a cooked noodle. If the flavor isn’t strong enough, add a pinch of salt to enhance it.
• Combine the pasta and sauce, then let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Top with thinly sliced green onions and serve warm.

Keyword cheddar, easy mac and cheese, green onion, mac and cheese, parmesan, stovetop mac and cheese