Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​ Recipe

Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​ Recipe

from hannahdelgado.com
Main Course
40 min
460 kcal / serving

Joanna Gaines' Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese is a rich, creamy, and indulgent comfort food classic. This homemade mac and cheese features a smooth cheese sauce made with white cheddar and cream cheese for added creaminess, combined with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It's a delicious twist on a timeless favorite, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 pounddried pasta like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne
  • 5 tablespoonsunsalted butter
  • ½ cupall-purpose flour
  • 5 cupsmilk, warmed (whole or 2% reduced fat preferred)
  • 1 poundwhite cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ouncescream cheese, softened, optional
  • ½ teaspoonfine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoonfresh ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions indicate, then drain thoroughly.

  2. 2

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously until it forms a thick paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture smells toasted and turns a light brown color.

  3. 3

    Slowly pour in one third of the warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once smooth and thickened, repeat with the next third, then the final third, whisking well after each addition to ensure a creamy sauce.

  4. 4

    Continue cooking and whisking the sauce until it starts to simmer and thickens to a creamy, velvety consistency.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until mostly melted. Gradually add the shredded white cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth.

  6. 6

    Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste. If the flavor is not bold enough, add a little more salt incrementally.

  7. 7

    Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. The sauce might seem slightly excessive initially, but the pasta will absorb it as it rests.

  8. 8

    Cover the pot with a lid and let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to soak up the sauce. Stir again before serving warm.