Super Creamy and Cheesy Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Super Creamy and Cheesy Mac and Cheese recipe! Packed with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and cream cheese, this dish takes classic mac and cheese to new heights of decadence. The silky cheese sauce, made with a rich base of whole milk, heavy cream, and a perfectly golden roux, coats every bite of tender elbow macaroni. Seasoned with a hint of paprika for a subtle smoky kick, this recipe can be served straight from the stovetop for maximum creaminess or baked until bubbly and golden for added texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or comforting indulgence, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a family favorite! Keywords: creamy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food.
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Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Step 3
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a smooth paste (roux).
Step 4
Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to combine. Add the heavy cream and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and grated Parmesan. Mix until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 6
Add the softened cream cheese and stir until fully combined. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Step 7
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 8
Serve immediately for a creamy texture, or transfer to a baking dish, top with extra shredded cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly for a baked variation.
Step 9
Enjoy your Super Creamy and Cheesy Mac and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1421.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2313.5 |
| Total Fat 199.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 118.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g | |
| Cholesterol 606.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3187.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 74.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 51.1g | |
| Protein 42.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 429.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1330.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 1.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1621.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories