How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
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Savor the timeless appeal of “Creamy Mac and Cheese” a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This creamy, cheesy delight is a favorite among kids and adults alike, making it the perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food is a must. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, this mac and cheese will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Mac and Cheese:
- Rich and Creamy: A velvety cheese sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
- Simple and Quick: Easy to prepare with basic ingredients.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite add-ins or toppings.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
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Ingredients Notes For Mac and Cheese:
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape.
- Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce.
- Milk and Cream: Creates a creamy base.
- Mustard: Adds a subtle tang.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Breadcrumbs: Optional, for a crispy topping.
- Paprika: Optional, for a touch of color and flavor.
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard (optional), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Optional: Bake with Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs if desired.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freeze: Freeze the unbaked mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk whole or 2% for creaminess
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional, for a bit of color and flavor
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste without letting it brown. This creates the roux, which is the base for your cheese sauce.
- Add the Milk:
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring that there are no lumps. Continue to whisk and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Add the Cheese:
- Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the Mac and Cheese immediately while it's warm and creamy. Optionally, you can sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top for added texture.
- Optional Baked Version:
- If you prefer a baked version with a crispy top:
- Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C):
- After combining the pasta and cheese sauce, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. You can also dot some butter on top for extra richness.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set a bit.
I love that they use two cheeses but I always put eggs in my Mac and cheese