ULTIMATE CREAMY STOVETOP MAC AND CHEESE
A foolproof, velvety-smooth classic that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
KEY INFO
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Vegetarian
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large pot (4+ quart)
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Box grater (or food processor)
- Colander
Alternative: One pot method possible – see tips
INGREDIENTS
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon (15g) salt for pasta water
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons (45g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk, warm
- 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar, freshly grated
- 4 oz (115g) Gruyere, freshly grated
- ¼ cup (60g) sour cream
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
METHOD
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add salt and pasta. Cook until just under al dente (1 minute less than package directions).
- Meanwhile, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour to melted butter, whisk constantly for 60 seconds until bubbling but not brown.
- Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cheeses gradually, stirring until completely melted.
- Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Drain pasta (don’t rinse). Add to cheese sauce immediately.
- Stir until pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
CRUCIAL TIPS
- GRATE YOUR OWN CHEESE – Pre-shredded won’t melt properly
- Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent graininess
- Don’t overcook the pasta – it continues cooking in the sauce
- Warm milk prevents lumps in the sauce
STORAGE & REHEATING
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk
- Freeze not recommended – affects texture
COMMON MISTAKES
- Using cold milk (causes lumpy sauce)
- Boiling the cheese sauce (causes separation)
- Overcooking the pasta
- Not stirring constantly while making sauce
VARIATIONS
- Luxury Version: Add lobster or truffle oil
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños and cayenne
- Protein-Packed: Stir in crispy bacon or diced ham
- Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli or peas
This recipe delivers consistently creamy results with that classic mac and cheese flavor we all crave. Follow these steps exactly, and you’ll never need another mac and cheese recipe again.
