Silky Dreamy Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe for All Ages

Comfort flows through every bite of this mac and cheese recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Cheesy, rich flavors dance across your palate with each delectable spoonful.

Melted cheese coats tender pasta in a luxurious blanket of deliciousness.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this dish brings warmth to any meal.

Classic comfort food meets gourmet satisfaction in this creamy mac and cheese creation.

The blend of smooth, sharp cheddar and velvety cream creates an irresistible harmony.

Dive into this ultimate comfort classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Best Way To Store Creamy Mac And Cheese

• Fridge Fresh Survival: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep refrigeration temperature below 40°F to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Strategy: Portion mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to minimize freezer burn.
• Reheating Magic: Revive chilled mac and cheese by adding a splash of milk when warming. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare mac and cheese in advance during weekend cooking sessions. Divide into individual portions for quick weekday lunches or dinner sides. Label containers with date to track freshness and consumption timeline.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Goes Into Creamy Mac And Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice with perfect cheese-catching curves, opt for high-quality pasta for authentic texture.
• Penne or Shells: Alternative shapes that hold creamy sauce beautifully, select durum wheat varieties for best results.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor backbone providing rich tangy essence, choose aged varieties for deeper taste profile.
• Mozzarella, Gruyere: Creamy melting cheeses creating silky smooth texture, select full-fat versions for luxurious consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty undertone adding depth, select freshly grated for most intense flavor.

• Butter: Creates smooth roux foundation, use unsalted for precise salt control.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent ensuring velvety sauce, ensure fresh and clump-free.
• Whole Milk: Provides creamy base, select full-fat for richest results.
• Dijon Mustard: Subtle tang enhancing cheese complexity, choose smooth variety.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic background note, select high-quality brand.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use freshly ground pepper for best taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional crispy topping, preferably panko for extra crunch.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish, select vibrant green leaves.

Gear Up For Creamy Mac And Cheese

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Colander: Perfect for draining cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large saucepan: Key tool for creating smooth cheese sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Whisk: Critical for blending roux and preventing lumpy sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring pasta and mixing cheese sauce.
• Baking dish: Needed if you want a crispy, golden topping.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

Easy Steps To Make Creamy Mac And Cheese

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a pinch of salt. Drop pasta into bubbling water and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, letting the pasta rest while you create magic.

• Creamy Foundation

Melt butter in a large pan, creating a smooth golden base. Sprinkle flour and stir gently, watching the mixture transform into a silky roux that will give your mac and cheese incredible richness.

• Liquid Silk

Pour milk slowly, whisking continuously to create a velvety sauce. Let it simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious texture that will coat every pasta curve.

• Flavor Explosion

Introduce seasonings that will make taste buds dance – a touch of mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in a blend of cheeses, watching them melt into a golden, dreamy sauce.

• Pasta Marriage

Combine pasta with cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is generously covered in creamy goodness. Stir with love and passion.

• Golden Finish

Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with crispy breadcrumbs. Bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown, creating a delightful crunch.

• Delicious Moment

Serve immediately, letting the warm, cheesy aroma fill the room. Enjoy your comforting masterpiece.

Creamy Mac And Cheese Flavor Tips To Try

• Pasta Perfection: Choose shorter pasta shapes like shells or elbow macaroni that hold cheese sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with creamy goodness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the mac and cheese up to two days in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Cheese Adventure: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, fontina, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic dish.
• Diet-Friendly Twist: For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour when making the roux. Dairy-free alternatives can be achieved by substituting milk with almond or oat milk and using vegan cheese alternatives.
• Protein Power-Up: Add protein-rich mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, diced chicken, pulled pork, or roasted vegetables to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies hunger and adds extra nutrition.

Serve Creamy Mac And Cheese Like A Pro

• Comfort Food Companions: Serve with crispy green salad to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or crumbled bacon on top for extra protein and savory flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli florets or sautéed spinach to increase nutritional value and add color to the dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy texture with a chilled Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio for a delightful meal experience.

Dreamy Mac And Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich mac and cheese delivers ultimate comfort with sharp cheddar and a velvety sauce. Cheese lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this classic American pasta dish you crave.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (300 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella or Gruyere cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
• 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
• 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, ensuring a slight resistance when bitten. Drain and set aside.
2. Roux Foundation: Melt butter in a large saucepan, whisk in flour until a golden, fragrant mixture forms, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
3. Sauce Development: Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes silky, incorporating Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt into a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats the palate.
5. Combining and Baking: Gently fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer to a buttered baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or additional cheese, and bake until the surface achieves a golden, crispy crust.
6. Serving: Plate the mac and cheese while piping hot, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just shy of package instructions to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect al dente bite.
• Control Cheese Melting: Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Prevent Sauce Clumping: Whisk continuously while adding milk to the roux, creating a silky base without lumps.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; use gluten-free flour and pasta for celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg