Use whole wheat pasta to make this recipe whole grain.Substitute some or all of the cheddar cheese with your favorite!.

Pre-grated cheese contains preservatives to keep it from clumping together, which affects the way it melts together. Pro tip: I recommend grating your own cheese from a block because of its meltability.You can also top it with bacon or breadcrumbs, or stir in sautéed greens, pumpkin or butternut squash purée, or cooked veggies like broccoli and peas. Use cheese with more flavor such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack or gouda, or spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce. There are a number of delicious ways to add flavor to mac and cheese. There is no roux in this recipe, and it comes together in one pot. This stove top mac and cheese couldn’t be easier to make. Nobody will know it’s there, but they’ll notice a difference! It may be omitted if you don’t have any on hand. This is a secret ingredient that makes this mac and cheese really smooth and creamy. Pre-grated cheese has preservatives to keep it from sticking together, which affects its meltability. Pro tip: For ultra creamy mac and cheese, it’s best to grate your own cheese. I used mild cheddar cheese in this recipe, but you can use your favorite grated cheese in this recipe. Make it even richer by using heavy cream or half and half, or lighten it up with skim milk.

Whole milk makes the cheese sauce nice and rich.

Make it whole grain by using whole grain pasta! Use your favorite shape pasta for this recipe! Classic elbow macaroni, penne, mini shells and pipe regate are all great options.

Stove top creamy mac and cheese recipe