Description
Craving the ultimate comfort food? This Mouthwatering Mac and Cheese is the perfect creamy, cheesy indulgence you can whip up fast for any occasion. Ideal as a quick dinner, cozy lunch, or satisfying snack, this easy recipe uses a trio of cheeses for deep flavor and a velvet-smooth sauce. Whether you’re in need of dinner ideas, a quick comfort meal, or just some food inspiration, this dish checks all the boxes with its perfect balance of texture and taste.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
cooked bacon bits
caramelized onions
roasted jalapeños
toasted breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
1. Boil water in a large pot, add salt and elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
3. Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking, then add heavy cream. Continue whisking until thickened and smooth (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Lower heat and slowly stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
5. Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce gently until fully coated. Mix in any optional ingredients.
6. (Optional) Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
Warm the milk and cream before adding to the roux to prevent clumping.
Cook the pasta only until al dente to avoid mushy texture after mixing or baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop + Baked (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy dinner, quick comfort food, cheesy pasta, mac and cheese, kid-friendly, baked mac, homemade mac and cheese