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Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese: Easy 5-Step Comfort Food Guide

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This creamy homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a silky cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (about 4 cups dry)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly grated (or Swiss cheese)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss with a little butter to prevent clumping if desired.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbling, but not browned. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened and sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Combine drained pasta with cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all noodles. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk.
  6. Pour mac and cheese mixture into prepared baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier scooping and intensified flavor.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce. Slightly undercook pasta before baking for perfect texture. Add a splash of milk if sauce thickens too much. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour. Customize with veggies, bacon, or different cheeses. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, baked macaroni, cheese sauce, family dinner, easy recipe, classic mac and cheese, kid-friendly, potluck

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-easy-5-step-comfort-food-guide/