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Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese


This easy Dutch oven mac and cheese is made completely in one pot. This comforting pasta dish is cheesy, creamy, and extra flavorful. It’s made without any breadcrumbs or flour, and no fancy ingredients are needed.

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white bowl filled with cheesy mac and cheese in creamy sauce

Recipe Features

  • This creamy mac and cheese is a perfect comfort meal and works for picky eaters as well!
  • This recipe is made in one large Dutch oven, and all it takes is 30 minutes from start to finish to make this stovetop mac and cheese version.
  • You will only need to get seven ingredients to make it, and it’s the easiest mac and cheese recipe to try!
  • You can serve it as a main or side dish.
  • It’s made without any flour or breadcrumbs.

Key Ingredients

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients you will need for this recipe with step-by-step photos and tips below. If you are looking for a simple recipe card, scroll down to the bottom of this page.

ingredients to make macaroni with cheese

Ingredient Notes

Macaroni– when making homemade mac and cheese, I like to use elbow macaroni, Conchiglie, or Gemelli pasta. You can use any small-shaped pasta.

Manchego Cheese – Manchego is a Spanish cheese with a distinct flavor and a firm texture. It adds a unique twist and depth of flavor to the dish.

Mild Cheddar or Sharp Cheddar. Use freshly shredded cheese.

Milk – whole milk for a creamier texture; feel free to substitute whole milk with another kind.

Nutritional Yeast – I use nutritional yeast to enhance the “cheesy flavor” and add yellow color naturally.

Butter – I used salted butter; if using unsalted kind, you will need to add more salt.

Dijon Mustard – Choose “course ground” mustard for this recipe.

Best Spice for Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

  • Kosher salt
  • Optional spices: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, mustard powder, smoked paprika.

How to Make Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

Step 1. Cooking the pasta.

First, to make this creamy homemade mac and cheese, you’ll need to cook the pasta. Fill a large Dutch oven pot with water and cook macaroni in a pot, following the package directions.

Cook pasta al dente; once cooked, drain, don’t rinse, and leave the pasta to sit in the colander.

colander with cooked pasta inside

Step 2. Making the cheesy sauce.

In the same cast-iron Dutch oven pot over medium heat, melt butter, add milk and mustard, whisking continuously. Once butter is melted, add freshly shredded cheese and nutritional yeast, and continue to whisk the cheese sauce till combined. Remove from the heat, taste, and adjust mustard and salt as desired.

Dutch oven with cheese sauce

Step 3. Combining macaroni with cheese sauce.

To the Dutch oven pot with cheesy sauce, add cooked macaroni and stir to combine.

Dutch oven with macaroni and cheese sauce

Step 4. Baking mac and cheese- Optional step.

You can entirely skip this step and not bake mac and cheese at all! Or bake it if you would like to turn this into a baked version with a cheesy crispy crust on top.

Sprinkle extra cheese and some nutritional yeast on top of baked macaroni and broil for 3 minutes in the preheated oven till the golden brown crust is formed. Serve mac and cheese warm.

Dutch oven with baked mac and cheese

Pro Tips For Success

  • For the best pasta texture, make sure to cook pasta al dente.  
  • Cheese. I am using two kinds of cheeses plus nutritional yeast for the best cheese sauce for mac and cheese. Feel free to use Parmesan instead of Manchego cheese.
  • For the best macaroni and cheese flavor, use freshly grated cheese; it tastes better than pre-shredded cheese and has no artificial ingredients or fillers.
  • When making the mac and cheese sauce, to avoid burning the milk, keep the heat on medium-low and whisk continually without stopping.
  • Taste the cheesy sauce before adding the pasta; adjust the salt and mustard. If serving to adults, you might want to add extra mustard. 
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • When reheating using a stovetop, add extra liquids (water, milk) since pasta will absorb all the sauce.
  • Dutch ovens retain heat well, so be careful when handling them. Make sure to use oven mitts or pot holders to avoid burns.

Mac and Cheese Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ingredients in mac and cheese with alternative ingredients, depending on your dietary preferences or restrictions. Here are a few options:

Manchegoinstead of Manchego cheese, you can use Monterey Jack Cheese.

Whole milk – you can replace milk with non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Choose an unsweetened variety for the best results.

Butter – to replace butter, there are plenty of options, such as yogurt or mayo.

What is the best pasta for mac and cheese?

There are a few pasta options that are commonly used and loved for making mac and cheese:

Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese. It’s small curved shape and hollow center allow the cheese sauce to cling to the pasta, creating a perfect bite each time.

Cavatappi: Cavatappi is a corkscrew-shaped pasta that works well for mac and cheese. Its spiral shape provides nooks and crannies that can hold onto the cheese sauce, resulting in a delicious and cheesy bite.

Shells: Shell-shaped pasta, such as medium or large shells (conchiglie), can be a great choice for mac and cheese. The concave shape of the shells catches and holds the sauce, making each bite extra cheesy.

What is the best cheese for mac and cheese?

The best cheese for mac and cheese depends on personal preference and the flavor profile you want to achieve. However, here are some popular favorite cheeses that are commonly used and loved for making mac and cheese:

  • Cheddar cheese (mild, sharp, or white cheddar) is a popular choice for mac and cheese and can be used as a substitute for Parmesan. It has a similarly sharp and tangy flavor, which works well in the dish.
  • Gouda cheese has a rich and creamy flavor that can add a delicious twist to mac and cheese. It melts well and provides a smooth texture.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is another good option. It has a mild flavor and melts easily, making it suitable for mac and cheese. You can use it alone or mix it with other cheeses for added complexity.
  • Colby: Colby cheese is similar to cheddar but has a milder taste. It melts well and contributes a creamy texture to the mac and cheese.
  • Fontina: Fontina cheese has a nutty and buttery flavor that enhances the creaminess of mac and cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a distinct richness.
  • Gruyère: Gruyère cheese has a slightly nutty and sweet taste with a hint of earthiness. It melts well and can bring a lovely depth of flavor to mac and cheese.
  • Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is often used in combination with other cheeses to add a sharp and savory taste. It adds depth and complexity to the dish.
  • American: American cheese, known for its creamy and melty texture, is commonly used in classic mac and cheese recipes. It provides a smooth and mild flavor.

How to store leftover mac and cheese

It’s important to note that leftover mac and cheese should be consumed within 3-5 days when stored in the refrigerator.

If you have a larger quantity that you won’t be able to consume within that timeframe, you can also freeze the leftovers for longer-term storage.

To store leftover mac and cheese properly, follow these steps:

  1. Allow it to cool: Let the mac and cheese cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from forming and keeps the dish’s texture intact.
  2. Transfer to an airtight container: Place the mac and cheese in a clean, airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well. Alternatively, you can use resealable plastic bags.
  3. Refrigerate promptly: Put the container with the mac and cheese in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Ensure the refrigerator is set to a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below to keep the leftovers safe and fresh.
  4. Label and date: It’s a good practice to label the container with the date to easily track how long the leftovers have been stored. This helps ensure you consume them within a safe timeframe.
  5. Reheat properly: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover mac and cheese, reheat it thoroughly. You can do this in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If the mac and cheese seem dry after reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream to bring back some creaminess.

Dutch oven Mac and cheese Variations

There are numerous ingredients you can add to macaroni and cheese to enhance its flavor and make it even more delicious. Here are some popular options:

Add crumbled prosciutto. Adding crispy prosciutto can provide a savory and rich element to your mac and cheese. It adds texture and a burst of flavor.

Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Toasted bread crumbs with added seasonings like garlic powder, herbs, or grated Parmesan can provide a crunchy and flavorful topping for baked mac and cheese.

Add more veggies: broccoli, shaved Brussels sprouts, roasted asparagus.

Make it extra flavorful, add extra spices: powdered garlic, dry herbs like chives or parsley, and garnish with chopped green onion.

Make it extra creamy: add some cream cheese or heavy cream to the pasta sauce.

dutch oven with baked mac and cheese inside

What to serve with mac and cheese

If you’d like to serve it with some complementary dishes, here are a few options:

Salad: A fresh and crisp salad can provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy mac and cheese. Consider serving a kale crunch salad that looks festive and has a refreshing flavor.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables make a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to mac and cheese: serve it with roasted cauliflower or broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

Steamed or Sautéed Greens: Lightly steamed or sautéed greens, such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, can add a pop of color and freshness to your meal. Season them with garlic, lemon juice, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor.

Grilled or Roasted Chicken: For a protein boost, serve mac and cheese with grilled or roasted chicken breast or thighs. Season the chicken with herbs, spices, or a marinade of your choice for extra flavor.

Pulled Pork: Tender and flavorful pulled pork can be a tasty pairing with mac and cheese. Top the mac and cheese with some pulled pork for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Pickles or Tangy Relish: Adding a side of tangy pickles or sweet pickle relish can provide a refreshing and zesty contrast to the richness of mac and cheese.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is manchego cheese?

Manchego cheese is a firm cheese made from sheep’s milk. It’s less salty than Parmesan cheese.

How to make cheese sauce for mac and cheese?

To make the cheese sauce, you will need to melt butter; once melted, add milk and shredded cheese with the ingredients: mustard, salt, dry herbs, and spices.

How to make mac and cheese from scratch?

Making mac and cheese from scratch consist of 3 steps: cooking macaroni, making cheese sauce, and combining pasta with sauce.

How to reheat mac and cheese?

To reheat mac and cheese in the oven, preheat the oven to 350F degrees; place the covered Dutch oven with mac and cheese in the preheated oven and heat for 15 minutes.

Why put mustard in mac and cheese?

Adding mustard to mac and cheese is a common practice that can enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Mustard brings a tangy and slightly sharp taste that complements the richness of the cheese and adds depth to the overall flavor. When adding mustard to mac and cheese, it’s best to start with a small amount and gradually adjust to your taste preferences. Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard are popular choices.

Should you rinse pasta for mac and cheese?

It is generally not recommended to rinse the cooked pasta for mac and cheese. Rinsing pasta after cooking removes the starches that naturally cling to the pasta, which are essential for helping the sauce adhere to the noodles. When making mac and cheese, you want the pasta to have a slightly sticky surface to hold onto the cheese sauce and create a creamy texture.

spoon with elbows pasta in yellow sauce

More Pasta Recipes

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white bowl with creamy yellow mac and cheese

Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

Natalia-Flavorful Home
This easy Dutch oven mac and cheese is made entirely in one pot. This comforting pasta dish is cheesy, creamy, and extra flavorful. It’s prepared with simple ingredients and without any flour or breadcrumbs.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • dutch oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 12 oz brown rice pasta elbows
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 2 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup Manchego cheese aged
  • 3/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • some cheese to bake

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta. Add water to the Dutch oven pot, bring to boil on high, add salt. Cook pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain, leave in the colander.
  • Make sauce. In the same Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add butter, melt, add milk and mustard, heat whisking continuously. Once butter is melted and add shredded cheese, nutritional yeast, continue to whisk till combined. Remove from the heat, taste, adjust mustard and salt as desired.
  • Combine. To the pot with cheesy sauce, add cooked pasta, stir to combine.
  • Broil. This is an optional step. Sprinkle extra cheese and some nutritional yeast on top and broil for 3 minutes on high till cheesy crust is formed.

Notes

For best pasta texture, cook pasta al dente.
Pasta tips. I used gluten-free elbows, seashell pasta shape would work great too. 
Cheese tips. I am using two kinds of cheeses plus nutritional yeast for the best cheese sauce for mac and cheese. Feel free to use Parmesan instead of Manchego cheese.For the best flavor in this dutch oven macaroni and cheese use freshly grated cheese, it tastes better and has no fillers.
When making the sauce, to avoid burning the milk, whisk continually without stopping.
Taste the cheesy sauce before adding the pasta, adjust salt and mustard. If serving to adults you might want to add extra mustard. 
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
When reheating add extra liquids (water, milk) since pasta will absorb all the sauce.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 780kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 34gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 1419mgPotassium: 241mgFiber: 9gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1002IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 890mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Leave us a Comment!
Natalia | Flavorful home
Natalia is a recipe developer, food photographer, and home cook. She started Flavorful Home to document her recipes and share home cooking tips. She loves creating flavorful and nutritious meals while keeping the cooking process simple and joyful!
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