Creamy Dreamy Mac Cheese with a Secret Ingredient
Recipe Introduction
Ever craved that creamy, cheesy goodness? I know I have! Have you ever made mac and cheese with cream ? Seriously, it's the ultimate comfort food.
This recipe is the bomb! This recipe is the best mac and cheese recipe soul food!
A Little Bit of Magic in Every Bite
This gourmet mac and cheese with cream isn't just another recipe. It's an experience! Think grown-up comfort food that's both easy and impressive.
This creamy mac and cheese with cream takes a classic dish and gives it a real kick!
A Classic Reimagined
Macaroni and cheese is as American as apple pie. This baked mac and cheese recipe gives it a soulful twist.
It's super easy to make, taking about 40 minutes total. This will easily feed 6 people, perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.
Why This Mac?
Honestly, this is the ultimate comfort food mac and cheese . The cream cheese mac adds such a delightful tang! Plus, it's packed with cheesy goodness.
Serve it at your next BBQ, or a cozy night in. What makes this special is the creamy texture that you would love!
Time to gather your ingredients. Now we can build this recipe.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to create this ultimate comfort food mac and cheese . Trust me; it's easier than assembling IKEA furniture! We're making gourmet mac and cheese with cream and cream cheese that's anything but basic.
Ingredients & Equipment
Time to gather all the troops to make this creamy mac and cheese magic happen. Don't worry if you are missing something, you can always find a substitute.
Main Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni. Quality stuff, mind you! Or, if you're feeling fancy, cavatappi works a treat.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted. Because butter makes everything better, right?
- Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose. This is how we'll get the creamy mac and cheese without ending up with grainy sauce.
- Milk: 3 cups (710ml) whole milk. Full fat is where it's at. Trust me on this one.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g), softened. Honestly, this is the game changer. Adds a tang that's just…chef's kiss!
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon . Just a little kick to keep things interesting.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon . Oh my gosh, garlic powder is my best friend when I'm short on time.
- Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon . Adds a pop of color and a hint of smoky goodness.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g) shredded sharp cheddar. Go for a good quality cheddar. You'll taste the difference!
- Gruyere Cheese: 1 cup (113g) shredded Gruyere (optional). Gruyere takes this baked macncheese recipe to a new level, but cheddar is great by itself
Seasoning Notes
For this easy stovetop mac and cheese with cream , the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and paprika are your secret weapons.
No need to overthink it!. A pinch of nutmeg is good too!.
Got no Dijon? A bit of English mustard works in a pinch! Play around with flavors; that's the fun bit. This is how you make the best mac and cheese .
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven for the cheese sauce
- Whisk (essential, trust me!)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (if your cheese isn't pre-shredded)
- 9x13 inch baking dish (only if you're making baked macaroni )
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. Just make sure you put your back into it!
Now that you have your ingredients, this rich and creamy macaroni cheese is about to become reality!.
Cooking Method: Turning Mac & Cheese into Gourmet Mac and cheese with cream
Alright, listen up! Forget everything you thought you knew about mac and cheese with cream . We're not talking that powdered cheese stuff.
We're diving deep into a seriously rich and creamy macaroni cheese experience that will blow your mind.
It all starts with technique. Think of it like painting. You need a good canvas (the pasta) and some stellar colours (the cheese sauce).
This isn't just throwing stuff in a pot. This is art .
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place is Key
This best mac and cheese starts with the basics. First, grate all your cheese! Seriously, do it. Buy block cheese.
Pre-shredded stuff has cellulose and won't melt as nicely. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Get your butter and flour measured.
Milk ready. It's like having all your band members tuned up and ready to jam.
For time saving, I often grate the cheese the day before. Pop it in a ziplock bag and boom , you're ahead of the game.
Safety wise, watch that boiling water! No one wants a pasta filled scalding incident.
step-by-step: From Zero to Creamy Mac And Cheese Hero
- Cook your pasta. Boil it al dente! About 8- 10 minutes . Mushy pasta = sad mac. Drain it, and set aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter in your saucepan. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour . Cook for 1- 2 minutes . This is your roux , people.
- Slowly whisk in 3 cups milk . No lumps! Stir constantly until thick. About 5- 7 minutes .
- Reduce heat. Stir in 4 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. That's the secret!
- Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder , 1/4 teaspoon paprika , salt, and pepper. Seasoning is key, people!
- Melt in 2 cups cheddar and 1 cup Gruyere . Stir until glorious. Don't let it burn!
- Add the pasta to the cheese. Mix it all. Baked macaroni time!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Baked Macncheese Recipe
Honestly, a pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce adds a certain something . Try it. You won't regret it. And don't skimp on the cheese! Quality cheese = ultimate comfort food mac and cheese .
Also, for extra fanciness, try baking it! Pop it in a 375° F oven for 20 minutes with panko breadcrumbs on top.
It adds some crunch.
Common mistake? Overcooking the pasta. No one wants a mac and cheese recipe soul food that's gloopy. Don't be that person. It's a total buzzkill.
You can totally make the cheese sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently.
The next day for an easy stovetop mac and cheese with cream , just cook pasta and then mix, serve immediatly.
Recipe Notes: Making it Your Creamy Mac And Cheese
So, you're ready to make some mac and cheese with cream ? Ace! Before you dive in, here are a few extra tips to help you whip up the best mac and cheese ever .
Honestly, these are the things I wish I knew the first time I made it.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Mac and Cheese Recipe Soul Food
Forget just plopping it in a bowl. We can do better. Plating matters! I like to spoon the rich and creamy macaroni cheese into individual ramekins for a fancy touch.
Sprinkle with extra paprika for a pop of color. Serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
The acidity cuts through the richness perfectly. For drinks, a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio is banging.
Storage Tips: Keep That Gourmet mac and cheese with cream Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your baked macncheese recipe , let it cool completely first. Then, bung it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy and microwave or bake until heated through. Don’t overcook it when reheating.
I do this all the time. You can freeze it, too. Wrap it well in freezer wrap, but the texture might change slightly after thawing.
Variations: Making This Creamy Mac And Cheese Your Own
Want to mix it up? I get you. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Easy peasy! Want something lighter? Swap the whole milk for skimmed or almond milk. You know, just a bit.
Nutrition Basics: Quick and Easy Ultimate comfort food mac and cheese
Okay, let's get real. This isn’t exactly health food. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone. This Creamy Mac And Cheese clocks in around 550 calories per serving, with a good chunk of protein from the cheese.
Cheese contains protein, and is rich in calcium. And remember, homemade is always better than pre-packaged! I’d eat this until I die.
Right then! Armed with these tips, you're ready to create the ultimate comfort food mac and cheese . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.
You know? You got this. Let me know how it turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this mac and cheese with cream ahead of time? Like, "Bake Off" style prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of baking (or even fully baked) a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. If baking from chilled, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Remember, cold mac and cheese is just sad mac and cheese!
How do I stop my mac and cheese with cream from being grainy? No soggy bottoms here!
Grainy cheese sauce is the bane of any "MasterChef" contestant's existence! Keep the heat low when melting the cheese and don't let the sauce boil. Stir constantly to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
Also, using freshly grated cheese (not pre-shredded) helps, as it contains fewer preservatives that can affect the melting process.
What's the best way to store leftover mac and cheese with cream, and how long will it last?
Leftover mac and cheese with cream is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally last for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate it and prevent it from drying out. A little love (and moisture) will bring it back to life!
Can I freeze this creamy dreamy mac & cheese? I need comfort food on demand!
Freezing mac and cheese with cream can be a bit tricky, as the texture can change. However, you can do it! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer safe container. When thawing, defrost it overnight in the fridge and add a splash of milk when reheating as above.
Be prepared for a slightly different texture freezing can sometimes affect the sauce's creaminess, but it will still be delicious!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier (ish!). Can I lighten up this mac and cheese with cream without sacrificing all the flavour?
You bet! You can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and swap some of the whole milk for skimmed milk. Consider using a lighter cream cheese or even reducing the amount slightly. Adding vegetables like steamed broccoli or peas will also bulk up the dish with nutrients and make it a more balanced meal.
Small swaps can make a big difference without sacrificing the soul soothing deliciousness of mac and cheese!
What cheeses can I substitute in this mac and cheese with cream recipe? I'm feeling adventurous!
Experimentation is key, darling! While cheddar is a classic, try using Gruyere, Fontina, or even a little bit of smoked Gouda for a deeper flavour profile. For a tangier twist, a bit of goat cheese can be interesting. Just remember to use cheeses that melt well and complement each other's flavours.
Don't go throwing stilton in there unless you really know what you're doing!
Creamy Dreamy Mac Cheese With A Secret Ingredien
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |
