Super Creamy Cheesy Mac N Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Super Creamy Cheesy Mac N Cheese! This irresistibly rich and velvety dish combines tender elbow macaroni with an ultra-luxurious cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and cream cheese for the perfect balance of flavors. Enhanced with a touch of garlic and mustard powder for depth, this creamy mac and cheese is a true flavor explosion. For added texture, top with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs and bake to bubbly perfection, or enjoy it straight from the stovetop. Ready in just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for cheesy decadence. Keywords: creamy mac and cheese, cheesy mac and cheese, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 4 oz Cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Ground mustard powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter (optional, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to the consistency of cream.
Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese to the saucepan. Stir until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add garlic powder, ground mustard powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well to combine.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the saucepan, folding gently until all the pasta is evenly coated.
If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
Optional: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the mac and cheese for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy your super creamy cheesy mac n cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4687 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 231.9 g | 297% | |
| Saturated Fat | 139.4 g | 697% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 729 mg | 243% | |
| Sodium | 5701 mg | 248% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 431.0 g | 157% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.3 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 63.7 g | ||
| Protein | 218.1 g | 436% | |
| Vitamin D | 12.7 mcg | 64% | |
| Calcium | 4754 mg | 366% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 1984 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
