Creamy (Whole-Wheat) Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole-wheat macaroni
cooked according to package directions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
plus an extra tablespoon, divided
- 1 ¼ cups cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- to taste (this dish is great with pepper on toppepper)
Directions
- 1
In the pot you used to boil the noodles, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the 1/3 cup of cream until well combined.
- 2
Turn the heat down to low and add the noodles, cheese, salt and pepper and cook while stirring until the the cheese melts. Stir in the last tablespoon of cream at the end. Season with black pepper and serve immediately.
Creamy (Whole-Wheat) Mac and Cheese
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 31 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that ultimate comfort food, mac and cheese, but short on time? This Creamy (Whole-Wheat) Mac and Cheese recipe is your answer, bringing rich, homemade flavor to your table in just 15 minutes. Forget the boxed stuff; you're about to create a dish that tastes incredibly fresh and satisfying with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this mac and cheese truly stand out is its astonishing simplicity combined with superior taste. It proves that making mac and cheese from scratch can be as quick as, if not quicker than, many store-bought alternatives, but with a vastly improved flavor profile. You'll love how easily real butter, heavy cream, and your favorite cheese transform humble macaroni into something truly special.
What to Expect
Prepare for a luxuriously creamy and deeply cheesy experience. The whole-wheat macaroni provides a pleasant, slightly heartier texture and subtle nutty notes, holding onto that luscious sauce beautifully. Each bite delivers a comforting blend of savory cheese and rich cream, perfectly seasoned with salt and a touch of black pepper. It’s a straightforward, utterly delicious dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to whip up.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe shines in its simplicity, feel free to make it your own. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles—a sharp cheddar for tang, Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or a blend for complexity. Don't have whole-wheat macaroni on hand? While the recipe specifies it, another small pasta shape can work in a pinch. And if you’re a pepper fiend, feel free to add extra freshly ground pepper on top for a delightful kick.
Serving & Context
This Creamy (Whole-Wheat) Mac and Cheese is the quintessential family-friendly meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. It’s excellent on its own, but also pairs wonderfully as a side dish with roasted chicken or a simple green salad.