Description
The Best Mac and Cheese Ever is the kind of easy recipe that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort food. This creamy, cheesy pasta is perfect for a quick dinner, cozy holiday side, easy family meal, and one of my favorite dinner ideas when I need reliable food ideas that everyone loves.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons 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.
4. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking well so no lumps form.
5. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted into the sauce.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar and mozzarella a handful at a time, stirring until smooth.
7. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
8. Add the cooked macaroni and stir until every piece is coated in the cheese sauce.
9. If needed, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
10. Serve warm topped with chopped chives.
Notes
Do not add the cheese over high heat, or the sauce can turn 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: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: best mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, dinner ideas, food ideas