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Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe Perfect for Dinner

creamy homemade mac and cheese - featured image

This creamy homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir well to coat every piece evenly.
  6. Transfer the creamy mac and cheese to a serving dish and garnish with extra cheese, fresh parsley, or crispy bacon bits if desired.

Notes

[‘Slightly undercook your pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.’, ‘Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.’, ‘Taste the sauce before combining it with pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed.’, ‘Experiment with cheese blends like mozzarella, Gouda, or Gruyère for a unique flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy pasta