The Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe 🧀🔥
This rich, creamy, and ultra-cheesy mac 'n' cheese is the perfect balance of gooey, sharp, and buttery flavors. It's made with a blend of cheeses and a velvety béchamel sauce to achieve that perfect, indulgent texture.
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for extra texture)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the cheese sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds depth)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Cheese Blend:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (adds nutty creaminess)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack or Mozzarella, shredded (for extra meltiness)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for a sharp bite)
For the topping (optional but recommended):
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the macaroni 1 minute less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
- Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Roux:
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir and let it thicken slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
4️⃣ Add the Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low and gradually mix in cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
- Stir until completely melted and smooth.
5️⃣ Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
6️⃣ Optional Baked Version:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer mac & cheese to a buttered baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan in a bowl, then sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for the Best Mac & Cheese:
🔥 Want it spicier? Add diced jalapeños, a dash of Blindsided hot sauce, or smoked chipotle powder.
🧀 Use high-quality cheese! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
🥓 Make it extra indulgent: Add crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.