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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food

mac and cheese recipe

The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe - Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

Nothing says comfort food like a creamy, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese. This classic mac and cheese recipe is the perfect solution for those cravings, delivering a rich and satisfying experience with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or a holiday gathering, this mac and cheese recipe will impress everyone at the table. With its smooth, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and the rich taste of melted cheese, it’s no wonder mac and cheese is a beloved dish across the globe.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe keeps it simple yet delicious. We start with a creamy roux-based cheese sauce, add sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the ultimate cheese blend, and coat tender macaroni noodles to create a luscious, golden dish. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—you can add extra toppings like crispy breadcrumbs, bacon, or even vegetables to make it your own. It’s designed to satisfy classic mac and cheese lovers while also offering a base for experimenting with your favorite additions.

Easy to Make, Perfect for Any Occasion

Mac and cheese is a dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare but feels indulgent and comforting. In this mac and cheese recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to create the creamiest, most flavorful mac and cheese. With tips on selecting the right cheeses, creating a smooth sauce, and baking it to golden perfection, this recipe will soon become a go-to favorite. Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Choosing the Right Cheeses for the Perfect Flavor

One of the keys to success with this mac and cheese recipe is selecting the right cheese. Cheddar provides the classic sharpness, while mozzarella adds a smooth, melty texture. By using a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) as a base for the sauce, you’ll get a thick, creamy consistency that clings to every piece of pasta. Baking the mac and cheese adds a slight crust on top that complements the creamy sauce, giving you the best of both worlds.

Customizing Your Mac and Cheese Recipe

What makes this mac and cheese recipe a crowd-pleaser is its adaptability. Whether you’re a fan of classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles or love experimenting with new flavors—think avocado, fried eggs, or spicy jalapeños—this recipe offers a fantastic base for your creativity. And for cheese lovers, adding a slice of melted cheddar or Swiss cheese in the final minute of cooking transforms this hamburger recipe into a cheeseburger delight.

Ready to Make This Mac and Cheese Recipe Your Own?

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this recipe. Not only does it satisfy cravings, but it’s also easy to customize. Try topping it with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or stir in some cooked bacon or ham for added flavor. The options are endless, and this recipe provides a reliable base for all your culinary creativity. It’s perfect for any season, whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy winter meal or serving it as a side dish at summer gatherings.

So, let’s get started on this creamy, dreamy mac and cheese recipe. Gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and enjoy the ultimate cheesy comfort food!

Cooking Method ,
Cuisine
Courses ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 45 mins
Cooking Temp 350  °F
Servings 6
Estimated Cost $  11
Calories 420
Best Season Suitable throughout the year, Winter
Description

This creamy mac and cheese recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Milk (whole milk recommended)
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tbsp Butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
    Cook the Pasta
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot of salted water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
  3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously until smooth and golden.
  4. Add Milk and Cream
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
  6. Add Cheese and Seasonings
  7. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce
  9. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is well-coated.
  10. Bake the Mac and Cheese
  11. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
  12. Bake and Serve
  13. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Saturated Fat 15g75%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 70mg24%
Sodium 600mg25%
Potassium 200mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 4g
Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 700 IU
Calcium 350 mg
Iron 1.2 mg
Vitamin D 20 IU
Vitamin E 1 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: mac and cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food