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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe – Easy Homemade Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

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This creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a silky cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and a golden crunchy topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional topping)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in salt, black pepper, ground mustard powder, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Gruyere or Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, whisking after each addition until melted and smooth.
  6. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every noodle. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed.
  7. Optional: Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Spread mac and cheese in a 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle topping, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese. Add-ins like spinach, peas, bacon, or chicken can boost nutrition and flavor. Sauce thickens as it sits; add a splash of milk when reheating. Topping is optional for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, casserole, kid-friendly, potluck, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food-in-30-minutes/