Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces large elbow macaroni*
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 cup whole milk
warmed**
- 1 can evaporated milk
warmed**, 12 ounces
- 1 cup American cheese
chopped***, 4 ounces
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar
shredded, 8 ounces
- 1 cup fresh Parmesan
grated, 4 ounces
Directions
- 1
Heat a large pot to boiling and cook the macaroni for the time instructed on the packaging minus 1 minute (ie. if the instructions say cook for 9 minutes, cook for 8 minutes). Reserve 2 cups of pasta water and drain.
- 2
To the now empty pot, heat the butter over medium heat until melted and foaming. Add the flour and whisk until no clumps remain. Whisk in the mustard powder until combined.
- 3
Stir in the two milks until combined. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low to simmer. Simmer until thickened.
- 4
With the heat on low, add the American cheese, ½ cup at a time, and stir using an 8 figure motion until mostly melted before adding the next ½ cup. Repeat with the remaining cheeses.
- 5
Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. If the cheese sauce is too dry, add in the reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food experience? This Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion, promising a truly decadent meal for four.
The magic behind this incredibly creamy mac and cheese lies in its thoughtful blend of dairy and cheeses. Combining whole milk with evaporated milk, both gently warmed, creates an impossibly smooth and stable sauce foundation. A touch of mustard powder discreetly enhances the cheese's savory notes, while a classic butter and flour roux ensures a perfectly thick, velvety texture without lumps.
Prepare for a mac and cheese experience that's both deeply comforting and sophisticated. Each bite offers a luscious, velvety sauce generously coating tender large elbow macaroni. You'll taste the sharp, complex notes of extra sharp cheddar, balanced by the subtle tang and unparalleled melt of American cheese, all rounded out with the salty, nutty depth of fresh Parmesan.
While this cheese blend is perfected for creaminess and flavor, you can certainly experiment. Feel free to swap the extra sharp cheddar for another robust cheese like Gruyère or fontina for a different profile. If American cheese isn't available, other highly meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar can offer a similar smooth texture. For the pasta, while large elbow macaroni is classic, medium shells or cavatappi would also work beautifully, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to hold that irresistible sauce.
This luxurious Creamy Macaroni and Cheese makes a fantastic stand-alone meal, a crowd-pleasing side dish for a holiday feast, or the ultimate potluck contribution. Serve it warm alongside your favorite roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete and utterly satisfying dinner.