Easy Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta like elbow macaroni
shells or penne
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
70 grams
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
45 grams
- 5 cups milk
warmed, whole or 2% reduced fat preferred, 1180 ml
- 1 pound white cheddar cheese
shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese
optional
- plus more to taste1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, add the pasta then follow package directions, but cook 1 minute less than the package calls for. Drain.
- 2
Meanwhile, make the creamy cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a large high-sided pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk the butter and flour together and around the pan until they smell toasted and look light brown; 2 to 3 minutes.
- 3
While whisking, pour in the warm milk. Continue to cook, constantly whisking until the sauce begins to simmer and thickens. (The sauce only thickens after it has reached a simmer.)
- 4
Turn the heat to low then stir in the cheddar and cream cheeses, salt, and black pepper. When the sauce is smooth and velvety, stir in the cooked pasta. If the sauce looks wet/thin, don’t worry, the pasta absorbs some the extra moisture as it cools. Turn the heat off, and then cover with a lid. Leave for 5 minutes, stir once more, and then serve.
- 5
After adding the pasta to the cheese sauce, spoon into a large baking dish, scatter breadcrumbs (optional), and more shredded cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, in a 375-degree Fahrenheit oven until bubbling and browned on top; 25 to 30 minutes.
Easy Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food that's both simple to make and incredibly satisfying? This Easy Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese delivers a rich, velvety indulgence that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
What truly sets this mac and cheese apart is its commitment to an ultra creamy texture. By combining a classic cheese sauce base with a generous amount of shredded white cheddar and an optional, yet highly recommended, touch of cream cheese, you get a luxurious, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta.
Prepare for a truly luscious, deeply cheesy experience that is the epitome of heartwarming comfort food. Each bite offers tender pasta enveloped in a smooth, rich sauce with a savory tang from the white cheddar, balanced by a hint of fresh ground black pepper. This recipe is designed to be effortlessly delicious, bringing a truly restaurant-quality creaminess to your table with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Customization & Serving Ideas
Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes—while elbow macaroni is classic, shells or penne also work wonderfully here. For the richest sauce, whole milk is preferred, but 2% reduced-fat milk will also yield excellent results. The 4 ounces of cream cheese are optional, but they are key to achieving that promised ultra creamy consistency, adding an extra layer of velvety smoothness.
This classic dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner, a comforting potluck contribution, or any occasion calling for genuine, cheesy goodness. Serve it alongside a simple green salad to cut through the richness.