Description
This creamy mac and cheese recipe blends classic cheddar with rich cream cheese for an irresistibly smooth and velvety dish. Perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce makes this comfort food a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound dried pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or penne)
Cheese Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups warmed whole or 2% reduced-fat milk
- 1 pound shredded white cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the dried pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
- Make the Roux: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color, which helps to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, stirring continually to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken, about 5 minutes, forming a creamy béchamel base.
- Incorporate the Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until both cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, gently stirring until each piece is evenly coated with the rich, creamy mixture.
- Season to Taste: Add fine sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferred balance of flavors.
- Serve Warm: Dish out the creamy mac and cheese into bowls while it’s warm and gooey. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect melty texture.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the final saltiness of the dish.
- Warm the milk before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free flour.
- Cheese variations like Gruyere or Monterey Jack can be used to add unique flavors.
- For a lighter creaminess, replace cream cheese with ricotta cheese.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; reheat gently if needed.
