Skillet Macaroni and Cheese – An Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Skillet Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect side dish.  This one pan dish comes together quickly, is made with ingredients already in your pantry. Your kids will clean their plates when this easy side dish is on it and probably beg for seconds.

It doesn’t matter what you call it – mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, cheesy mac.  All we know is that this homemade macaroni and cheese is cheesy and delicious, and our family licks their plates when we make it.

Skillet Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This recipe came from some family friends of ours. These friends are fellow farmers, and they own a family orchard called Harker Family Farms. Debbie also shared their Peach Batter Cake recipe with us and it’s one of our most popular recipes on the blog!

They shared this creamy skillet mac and cheese with us because they knew we would love it, and we also love the story behind it just as much.  Their daughter searched everywhere for her favorite version of a macaroni and cheese recipe from scratch. In the end, she found the recipe in their church cookbook, and it belonged to their Aunt Mary Lou.  Debbie noted that the recipe is quick, and her daughter uses it often.

Ingredient List

• Butter
• Onions, finely minced
• Dried oregano
• All Purpose Flour
• Salt
• Milk
• Uncooked macaroni noodles
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

How to Make Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt butter; add onions and cook until softened.
2. Add oregano, flour and salt and whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in milk and macaroni and bring to a boil, covered. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Add cheese and stir.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool. Transfer to an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Full Skillet Mac and Cheese recipe can be found below.

Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe

After whipping up this creamy skillet mac and cheese, we agree that it may be the best macaroni and cheese recipe ever! Why?

1. It is quick, and one pan means less clean up.
2. The recipe uses ingredients that we almost always have on hand (butter, onions, salt, flour, milk, elbow macaroni, and shredded cheese).
3. It is creamy.
4. Kids love it, and husbands love it.
5. It’s soft enough that babies can eat it as one of their first foods (with parent supervision).
6. No baking required.
7. Try making it in an electric skillet.
8. Make it into skillet mac and cheese with chicken for a complete meal.
9. IT IS THE BEST EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE.

Recipe FAQs

• This is a stove top mac and cheese recipe. There is no need to bake this easy mac and cheese. If you are looking for a baked version, try our Buttermilk Mac and Cheese.
• You can use whatever type of cheddar cheese you prefer. We used the sharp version, and it was fantastic. We do recommend shredding your own as opposed to buying the pre-shredded bagged version, but if you don’t have time, don’t sweat it.
• Don’t have dried oregano on hand?  Leave it out. It is optional; however, it gives it a great flavor if you use it.
• Use whatever type milk you have on hand. We used skim milk but 2% or whole milk would both work too.
• The time that it takes to cook is anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes depending on how high you have your stove top turned up.  The main thing is to keep watching it and stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.  It’s done when most of the liquid has been absorbed and the macaroni is tender and cooked through.  If the sauce is almost absorbed, but the pasta isn’t cooked completely, add a little bit of additional milk to the pan.
• This could be converted to a full meal, so consider making skillet mac and cheese with chicken or skillet mac and cheese with smoked sausage or skillet mac and cheese with ham.  All you need to do is all a cooked protein to the mixture when you add the cheese.
• You could easily make this mac and cheese in the electric skillet, and you can add it to your camping meal plan!
• What should you serve with mac and cheese?  Try our Grilled Pork Shoulder Steaks, Crock Pot Brats, or Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Steaks.

Our Favorite Cheesy Recipes

• Cheesy Summer Squash and Zucchini Casserole
• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon
• 4-Ingredient Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes
• Mom’s Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
• 20-Minute Ham and Cheddar Chowder

How do you keep leftover macaroni and cheese creamy?

When reheating skillet mac and cheese, add a splash of milk, heavy cream, half and half or evaporated milk. This will help restore the creaminess of the dish.