Description
Get ready for the kind of creamy mac and cheese that steals the whole dinner table. This ultra cheesy, rich, and comforting dish is everything you want in a homemade classic, with tender elbow macaroni wrapped in a silky cheese sauce that tastes far better than any boxed version. It is perfect for a quick dinner, easy recipe nights, holiday sides, family meals, and cozy food ideas when you want something warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults.
Ingredients
3 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until smooth and lightly bubbling.
4. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to keep the sauce smooth.
5. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted.
7. Add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
8. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
9. Add the cooked macaroni and stir until every piece is fully coated in the cheese sauce.
10. Serve hot, topped with chopped chives if desired.
Notes
Do not add the cheese while the sauce is boiling, because high heat can make the sauce grainy instead of smooth and creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg