Cream Cheese Mac Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite. This creamy and comforting dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce made from cream cheese, cheddar, and milk. Finished with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb topping, this classic recipe is ideal for both a hearty main course and a delightful side dish. Let’s dive into the world of this rich cheese pasta and learn how to make it from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Mac Cheese
This Cream Cheese Mac Cheese is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The creamy texture makes it a standout option for family dinners or gatherings. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- It’s a rich and creamy cheese pasta that pleases everyone.
- Perfectly pairs with various sides for a complete meal.
- Quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes total.
- Versatile with endless variations, including adding vegetables or meats.
- Kid-friendly and a great way to introduce new flavors.
- Ideal for meal prep—make it ahead and reheat easily!
This dish falls under the American cuisine category and is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great choice for various diets.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Mac Cheese
Gather these items:
- 1-3/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
How to Make Cream Cheese Mac Cheese Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the macaroni and cheese.
- Step 2: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring continuously until smooth and bubbling but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add spicy brown mustard, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine.
- Step 6: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Step 7: Grease a shallow 3-quart or 13×9-inch baking dish. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Step 8: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then toss it with the dry bread crumbs and minced fresh parsley to coat.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Step 10: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm as a deliciously creamy and crunchy mac and cheese dish.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Mac Cheese
Keep these in mind:
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
- Adjust the cream cheese quantity to suit your taste—more for extra creaminess!
- For a twist, add steamed broccoli or cooked bacon to the mix.
- Make sure to stir the cheese sauce continuously to avoid burning.
Best Ways to Serve Cream Cheese Mac Cheese
This creamy dish can be served in a variety of ways:
- Pair it with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a heartier option.
- Top with additional cheese or herbs for an elevated look and taste.
How to Store and Reheat Cream Cheese Mac Cheese
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to have a comforting meal ready at any time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Mac Cheese
What’s the secret to perfect Cream Cheese Mac Cheese?
To achieve the ultimate creamy texture, the key is to ensure the cream cheese is fully melted into the sauce. Stir persistently while adding the cheeses for a velvety finish. Don’t forget to season the sauce well for maximum flavor!
Can I make Cream Cheese Mac Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac cheese in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving for a freshly baked taste.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cream Cheese Mac Cheese?
Common pitfalls include overcooking the pasta or not allowing the cheese sauce to thicken properly. Follow the instructions closely to ensure a perfect cheesy macaroni dish every time!
Variations of Cream Cheese Mac Cheese You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations to explore:
- Add sautéed spinach for a Cream Cheese Macaroni with Spinach twist.
- Incorporate crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor profile.
- Try different cheese blends like gouda or mozzarella for a unique taste.
- Make a Cream Cheese and Macaroni Casserole by layering with chicken or vegetables.
With these variations, you can easily customize your homemade cream cheese mac to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe category or try making spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal. If you’re interested in vegetarian options, consider our veggie burgers with avocado green harissa as a tasty alternative!
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Cream Cheese Mac Cheese: 10 Secrets to Perfection
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and comforting Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce made from cream cheese, cheddar, and milk.
Ingredients
- 1–3/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the macaroni and cheese.
- Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring continuously until smooth and bubbling but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add spicy brown mustard, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Grease a shallow 3-quart or 13×9-inch baking dish. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then toss it with the dry bread crumbs and minced fresh parsley to coat.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm as a deliciously creamy and crunchy mac and cheese dish.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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