Creamy Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1.5 box/lb macaroni noodles
1 box and a half! 24oz of noodles in total!I also love to use cavatappi noodles for this recipe!
- 16 oz sharp cheddar
freshly grated
- 16 oz Colby jack cheese
- 8 oz Gouda
- 8 oz mozarella cheese
- 6 cups heavy cream
- 4 tbsps salted butter
- 4 oz cream cheese
optional
- 2 tsps salt
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp adobo
Directions
- 1
Grate your cheeses using the large shredder and set them aside. If you come across any small chunks that are too petite to grate, be sure to save them!
- 2
Cook your macaroni noodles following the instructions on the package. Enhance the water with chicken bouillon for added flavor.
- 3
In a spacious sauce pot, melt butter on low heat, and gradually pour in the heavy cream. Whisk the mixture smoothly.
- 4
Start incorporating approximately 50% of your shredded cheeses until well blended. Introduce cream cheese last, allowing the cheese to melt and simmer on low heat. Season with spices and taste to perfection.
- 5
Combine your elbow noodles with the cream sauce, tossing in the small extra chunks of cheese. Aim for a creamy, wet mixture that produces a satisfying sound when mixed.
- 6
Transfer the mixture into a 13x9 baking dish, starting with half of your noodles. Layer with a light coating of cheese sauce and your shredded cheese mix. Add the remaining noodles and finish by topping with a generous layer of shredded cheese. If more cheese is needed for the top, opt for cheddar or Colby jack.
- 7
Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted.
- 8
Broil for 2 minutes at the end for a nice golden brown top
Creamy Mac & Cheese
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, velvety, and bursting with cheesy goodness? This Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe delivers on that promise, transforming a classic into an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
Why This Creamy Mac & Cheese Works
What sets this mac and cheese apart is its thoughtful blend of four distinct cheeses—sharp cheddar for tang, Colby Jack for a smooth melt, Gouda for nutty depth, and mozzarella for that incredible stretch. This quartet creates a complex, harmonious flavor that’s far superior to single-cheese versions. Coupled with a generous amount of heavy cream and an optional touch of cream cheese, it’s engineered for maximum creaminess that resists breaking, ensuring every bite is pure bliss. The inclusion of chicken bouillon, onion powder, ground mustard, white pepper, and adobo adds layers of savory, aromatic flavor that truly elevate this dish beyond the ordinary.
What to Expect
Prepare for a mac and cheese that truly lives up to its name. You'll experience a sauce that’s wonderfully thick and smooth, coating every noodle with rich, milky cheese. The flavor profile is deeply savory, with a comforting warmth from the spices balancing the bold cheesiness. It’s the kind of substantial, satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you can have this decadent meal on the table in about 50 minutes, making it a surprisingly accessible indulgence.
Customization & Variations
This recipe offers delightful flexibility. Feel free to swap the specified macaroni noodles for cavatappi noodles as suggested, which do an excellent job of holding onto the creamy sauce. For an even more decadent and rich texture, be sure to include the cream cheese. You can also adjust the amount of spices like adobo or white pepper to suit your preference for a milder or bolder profile.
Serving & Context
This Creamy Mac & Cheese is a show-stopping main course on its own, but also shines as a luxurious side dish for any gathering. It’s the ultimate crowd-plepleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts.