Description
This Homemade Creamy Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with real cheddar, a smooth, buttery cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or half & half for extra creaminess!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds depth!)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild cheddar or Monterey Jack, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For Toppings (Optional but Delicious!):
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
- Buttery toasted breadcrumbs
- Chopped crispy bacon
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside. (Don’t overcook—it’ll keep cooking in the sauce!)
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. (This forms a roux, which makes the sauce thick and creamy!)
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Add the Cheese & Combine
- Once the sauce starts to thicken (about 3-5 minutes), reduce heat to low.
- Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, mixing until smooth and melted.
- Add the cooked pasta, stirring until fully coated in the cheesy goodness!
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot as-is for the creamiest stovetop mac & cheese, or…
Want to Make It Baked?
- Pour the mac & cheese into a buttered baking dish.
- Top with extra cheese & toasted breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly!