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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. 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.
5. Serve:
   • Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs if desired.

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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

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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.

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