Description
This recipe creates the ultimate creamy mac and cheese, perfect for comfort food. It features a silky smooth cheese sauce and tender pasta, baked to a golden finish. It’s a satisfying dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens into a smooth béchamel.
- Stir in cream cheese until fully melted.
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a buttered baking dish.
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top if desired for a crispy topping.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of sour cream or more cream cheese.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sautéed onions can add extra flavor.
- For a milder version for kids, omit paprika and reduce seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain sauce creaminess.
- Variations: Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina cheeses can be used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: Estimating calories requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Sugar: Estimating sugar requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Sodium: Estimating sodium requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Fat: Estimating fat requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Saturated Fat: Estimating saturated fat requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimating unsaturated fat requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Trans Fat: Estimating trans fat requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Carbohydrates: Estimating carbohydrates requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Fiber: Estimating fiber requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Protein: Estimating protein requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
- Cholesterol: Estimating cholesterol requires specific ingredient amounts and brand information.
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