Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, creamy mac and cheese to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, a cozy meal for one, or a party-friendly side dish, this recipe has you covered. Made with real cheese, a velvety roux, and perfectly cooked macaroni, this dish delivers that classic taste with a gourmet twist. Ditch the boxed versions—this homemade creamy mac and cheese is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. It’s a recipe that brings joy with every bite and keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients Of Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Why You Will Love This Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
This creamy mac and cheese recipe hits all the right notes: rich, cheesy, buttery, and smooth. It’s comfort food at its finest—elevated with a homemade cheese sauce that wraps every macaroni bite in luscious flavor. The combination of three cheeses delivers a balanced profile of tang, creaminess, and depth. Whether you serve it fresh off the stovetop or bake it for a golden crust, this dish is incredibly versatile. Plus, it’s family-friendly, kid-approved, and made with pantry staples. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
Preparation Process Of Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
To make creamy mac and cheese from scratch, you’ll first cook your pasta until al dente. While it cooks, prepare a roux by whisking flour and butter together. Gradually add milk and cream to form a smooth béchamel sauce. Once thickened, stir in the cheeses and seasonings until melted. Combine the sauce with your drained pasta and serve hot—or bake for a golden finish.
Step By Step Instructions
Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth, golden paste.
Add Milk & Cream: Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a lump-free mixture. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken.
Melt Cheese: Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Mix until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is smooth.
Season Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Stir well to blend the flavors.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Gently fold until all pasta is coated in the creamy mixture.
Optional Bake: For a baked version, transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How to Serve?
- Serve hot as a main course
- Pair with a crisp green salad
- Add as a side to BBQ meats
- Serve in ramekins for parties
- Top with breadcrumbs and broil for extra crunch
Tips & Variations
Use a mix of cheeses for depth—sharp cheddar is a must.
Add cooked bacon or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Substitute gluten-free pasta or flour for dietary needs.
For baked mac and cheese, top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Recipe Card
Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Course: Mac And Cheese Recipe6
servings10
minutes20
minutes520
kcalThis ultra-creamy mac and cheese recipe is everything you love about classic comfort food, with a homemade twist that’s irresistibly good. Made from scratch using real cheeses and a silky béchamel sauce, it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether served on its own, baked for extra texture, or paired as a side dish, this mac and cheese always delivers. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or lazy weeknights, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again. Skip the box and enjoy the cheesy goodness of this crowd-pleasing, from-scratch masterpiece.
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
Whole milk – 2 cups
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) – 2 cups
Mozzarella cheese (shredded) – 1 cup
Parmesan cheese (grated) – ½ cup
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Garlic powder – ¼ teaspoon
Mustard powder – ¼ teaspoon (optional)
Directions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth, golden paste.
- Add Milk & Cream: Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a lump-free mixture. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Melt Cheese: Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Mix until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Gently fold until all pasta is coated in the creamy mixture.
- Optional Bake: For a baked version, transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it continues to cook in the sauce.
- If baking, slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness.
- For extra creaminess, add an extra splash of cream before serving.
FAQs
Conclusion
This creamy mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and always a hit. Whether you prefer it straight off the stove or baked to perfection, its rich, velvety texture and deep cheesy flavor will win over everyone at the table. Ideal for any occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Try this once, and you’ll never look at boxed mac and cheese the same way again!
