1-First Step: Cooking the Pasta Begin by cooking 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Most pasta requires boiling in salted water for 7-10 minutes until al dente. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly but don’t rinse it, as the starchy coating helps the cheese sauce adhere better. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

2-Second Step: Creating the Flavor Base In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, creating a roux. Continue to add your seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and if using, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. This step is crucial for developing the flavor foundation of your best stovetop mac cheese.

3-Third Step: Building the Creamy Sauce Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream followed by 1 cup of milk, adding the liquids slowly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Stir frequently as the sauce begins to thicken slightly this should take about 3-4 minutes. If you’re using hot sauce, add a few dashes now for flavor enhancement. The key is to let the sauce thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon without boiling vigorously, which could cause curdling.

4-Fourth Step: Adding the Creaminess Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt until fully combined. This ingredient not only adds creaminess but also introduces a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese. The lower heat setting is essential here, as high heat can cause the dairy to separate.

5-Fifth Step: Incorporating the Cheese Now for the star ingredient! Gradually add 8 ounces (2 cups) of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until each addition is completely melted. Work in small handfuls to ensure smooth melting and prevent clumping. Once all the cheese is incorporated, continue stirring gently until the sauce is velvety and smooth. The resulting sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta generously without being overly heavy.

6-Final Step: Combining and Serving Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Allow the mixture to heat through for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. For the best experience, serve immediately while the mac and cheese is at its creamiest and most flavorful.