How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese

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.
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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.
[pinterest-image message=”Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Creamy Mac and Cheese, featuring a rich, velvety cheese sauce over tender pasta.” image=”https://charmrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Creamy-Mac-and-Cheese.png”]
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
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- 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.
Featured Comments
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“Impressed! Clear steps and absolutely loved results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“New favorite here — turned out amazing. party favorite was spot on.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and family favorite results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“Made this last night and it was will make again. Loved how the savory came together.”
I love that they use two cheeses but I always put eggs in my Mac and cheese