For an even richer flavor, try using a combination of sharp and extra-sharp cheddar. Add a crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling over the mac and cheese before baking. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding cooked vegetables such as broccoli, peas, or roasted red peppers.
Creamiest Mac and Cheese
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PREP TIME20 mins
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COOK TIME55 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 15 mins
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SERVING10 People
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VIEWS48
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this luxuriously creamy mac and cheese. Sharp cheddar and tangy cream cheese melt together into a velvety sauce that perfectly coats every strand of perfectly cooked macaroni. This homemade version elevates the classic dish to new heights, surpassing any store-bought alternative.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate41 g
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Cholesterol83 mg
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Fiber2 g
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Protein21 g
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Saturated Fat17 g
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Sodium1157 mg
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Fat28 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
02
StepBring a large pot of water to a boil. Add macaroni and 2 ½ teaspoons salt and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03
StepShred Cheddar cheese by hand or in a food processor; set aside.
04
StepMelt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until smooth, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in mustard powder, then 3 ½ cups milk. Whisk occasionally until mixture comes to a simmer, then let simmer for 5 minutes.
05
StepAdd cream cheese and cook, stirring often, until thick, creamy, and smooth, about 5 minutes. Add remaining 1 ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and cayenne.
06
StepStir in 2 cups shredded Cheddar. Turn off the heat and let cheese melt. Stir in cooked macaroni. Add up to ¼ cup milk if you feel like the mixture is too thick.
07
StepLayer ½ of the pasta mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 ½ cups Cheddar. Spread remaining pasta mixture over top and sprinkle with remaining Cheddar.
08
StepBake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes.
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Lottie Bartoletti
May 26, 2025I found the sauce a bit thick, so I added a little extra milk.
Llewellyn Haag
Mar 23, 2025This recipe is a keeper! Easy to follow and tastes amazing.
Bernice Johnston
Mar 13, 2025I added some cooked broccoli and bacon – it was a huge hit!
Alanis Emmerich
Feb 27, 2025My kids absolutely loved this! It's so much better than the boxed stuff.
Cyrus Crona
Jan 20, 2025Next time I'll try it with Gruyere cheese for a more sophisticated flavor.
Lavinia Veum
Jan 9, 2025The cream cheese makes all the difference! So creamy and delicious.