Days of Not Counting Calories | Episode 3: The Creamiest Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Welcome back to Days of Not Counting Calories, where we're choosing comfort over calorie counts and celebrating the dishes that make us genuinely happy. Because sometimes, the best meal isn't the healthiest one it's the one that brings you comfort after a long day and makes you go back for seconds without a second thought.
For Episode 3, we're making the ultimate Creamiest Stovetop Mac and Cheese. Rich, silky, incredibly cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is everything you could ask for in a bowl of comfort food. Every piece of macaroni is coated in a velvety cheese sauce made with real cheddar, mozzarella, and cream, giving you the perfect balance of creaminess and flavour.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. No baking, no complicated techniques, and no fancy ingredients—just a luscious homemade cheese sauce that comes together on the stovetop. Whether you're making it for a cosy dinner, a quick lunch, or satisfying a serious cheese craving, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to hit the spot.
So today, we're not counting calories we're counting cheese pulls, creamy bites, and reasons to go back for another spoonful.
Note
Ingredients
1½ cups (150g) elbow macaroni
1 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
1¾ cups warm full-fat milk
¼ cup fresh cream
3 cheddar cheese slices, torn into pieces
½ cup freshly grated mozzarella
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika or Kashmiri red chilli powder
Salt, to taste
How to Make Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just al dente.
Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.
Add the fresh cream and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon.
Season with garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt.
Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool for about 30 seconds before adding the cheese.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Add the cheddar cheese slices and grated mozzarella in 2–3 batches, stirring until each addition has completely melted before adding more.
This helps create a silky, smooth cheese sauce without becoming grainy.
Step 5: Finish the Mac and Cheese
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss until every piece is coated.
If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in a little reserved pasta water until it becomes glossy, silky, and perfectly creamy.
Serve immediately while it's hot and wonderfully cheesy.
Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese
Cook the pasta only until al dente so it doesn't become mushy.
Always use warm milk to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Turn off the heat before adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from splitting.
Add the cheese gradually instead of all at once for a silky texture.
Reserve the pasta water it works wonders for adjusting the consistency of the sauce.
My Favourite Way to Enjoy It
I love serving this mac and cheese straight from the pan with an extra sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, chilli flakes, and a little grated Parmesan on top. Sometimes I'll pair it with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal, but honestly, it's so good that a warm bowl on its own is more than enough. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and exactly the kind of comfort food I crave.
Final Thoughts
Episode 3 of Days of Not Counting Calories is all about embracing the foods that make us happy, and this Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese does exactly that. Rich, velvety, loaded with cheese, and incredibly comforting, it's one of those recipes you'll come back to whenever you're in the mood for something cosy and satisfying.
Because sometimes, happiness is simply a bowl of homemade mac and cheese—and that's reason enough to stop counting calories for a day.