Print

Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Best Homemade Comfort Food

creamy mac and cheese recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy mac and cheese recipe delivers a velvety cheese sauce, golden breadcrumb topping, and nostalgic comfort in every bite. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing dish
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until pale and nutty.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened and glossy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Lower heat and add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and sauce is silky. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
  7. Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter until evenly coated.
  9. Pour macaroni mixture into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown. Broil for 2 minutes at the end for extra crunch, if desired.
  11. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk, butter, and cheese. Always grate cheese fresh for best texture. Add veggies or protein for variation. Sauce thickens as it bakes; add milk if reheating. Skip baking for stovetop version.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, homemade mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, family dinner, casserole, cheese recipe

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe-best-homemade-comfort-food/