Creamy Mac and Cheese on a Downdraft Cooktop

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort meal that *everyone* pins on social media, look no further than the classic North American Mac and Cheese — cheesy, creamy, and downright irresistible. In this post, we’ll walk you through an irresistible recipe, spotlight how a cooktop with downdraft can elevate your cooking (especially on a ceramic stove top), and share inspiration for rich cooking tips.

Why Mac and Cheese Is a US Favorite

Mac and Cheese is one of the most-pinned comfort food recipes across US, with countless variations and visual inspiration boards. From ultra-creamy stovetop versions to baked recipes with crunchy toppings, this dish is a staple of North American kitchens and social media feeds alike.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta, cooked al dente
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat the ceramic stove top: Turn on your cooktop with downdraft to medium heat. The even heat distribution and reliable surface heating of a ceramic cooktop ensure your sauce doesn’t scorch. Check out this model here.
2. Make the roux: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven on the cooktop, melt butter. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 2 minutes until it turns pale gold.
3. Add milk & seasoning: Gradually pour in milk while constantly whisking so the mixture stays smooth. Add salt and pepper. Continue gently cooking until the sauce thickens.
4. Add cheeses: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and velvety.
5. Combine pasta: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
6. Optional topping: In a separate small bowl, stir panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the pasta for a crunchy finish.
7. Bake & serve: If you like a crunchy top, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 3–5 minutes until golden. Otherwise, serve straight from the pot.

Benefits of Using a Cooktop with Downdraft

Cooking comfort food like Mac and Cheese is already satisfying — but cooking it on a GASLAND Downdraft Cooktop takes things to the next level. A cooktop with downdraft provides powerful ventilation right where steam and aromas rise during cooking, pulling them down and away without needing an overhead hood. That keeps your kitchen air clear even when you’re simmering a rich, cheesy sauce. And with the smooth glass surface of a ceramic stove top, cleanup is faster and easier than ever.

Plus, models like the GASLAND 30-inch Downdraft Ceramic Cooktop give you consistent heat across all burners — ideal for temperature-sensitive tasks like making creamy sauces without scorching or hot spots.

More Recipes to Try on Your GASLAND Ceramic Cooktop

Once you’ve mastered this Mac and Cheese, your GASLAND ceramic cooktop is ready for even more excellent dishes. Explore our curated electric cooktop recipe ideas and tips here: Best Electric Cooktop Recipes & Guides.

From hearty weeknight dinners to indulgent weekend meals, using quality kitchen tools makes a world of difference. With GASLAND’s innovative downdraft systems and easy-to-clean surfaces, your cooking experience becomes more enjoyable and efficient — from prep to plate.