Creamy Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish loved by many. It’s smooth, cheesy, and filling, making it perfect for a cozy meal or a special occasion. This recipe lets you create a delicious homemade version that everyone will enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Creamy Mac and Cheese at home is not only easy but also allows you to adjust the ingredients according to your taste. You can choose your favorite cheeses and add extras if you want. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy texture of freshly made mac and cheese!
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cavatappi shells
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk (any kind, I used 2%)
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook the cavatappi shells in boiling water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and black pepper to form a roux.
- Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking until well combined. Heat the mixture until it bubbles and thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add in the shredded cheeses. Stir until melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese mixture. If it’s too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk as needed.
- Let the macaroni and cheese sit for about 5 minutes to thicken a little more.
How to Serve Creamy Mac and Cheese
Serve Creamy Mac and Cheese hot, straight from the pot. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of extra cheese or some herbs if you like. It pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
How to Store Creamy Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.
Tips to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cheese and good-quality butter.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda or fontina for a unique taste.
- Add Extra Flavor: For more depth, consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder to the cheese sauce.
Variation
If you want to make this dish even more fun, try adding cooked bacon, broccoli, or breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as elbow macaroni or fusilli.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat. However, always check your cheese labels to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.
Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 pound cavatappi shells Can substitute with any pasta shape.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter Use fresh quality butter for best flavor.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk Any kind of milk; 2% is recommended.
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Can replace with other cheeses if desired.
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the cavatappi shells in boiling water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and black pepper to form a roux.
- Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking until well combined. Heat the mixture until it bubbles and thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add in the shredded cheeses. Stir until melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese mixture. If it’s too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk as needed.
- Let the macaroni and cheese sit for about 5 minutes to thicken a little more.
