Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 0.5 cup butter
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cup half-and-half
• 1.5 cup whole milk
• 2 garlic (minced; 2-3 cloves)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 cup freshly shredded cheese (such as sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Colby Jack, Gouda, or a combination; 4-5 cups)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Add the elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente according to the package directions.

3. 3

   Drain well and set aside.

4. 4

   Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat.

5. 5

   Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and the raw flour smell is gone. Keep the roux pale rather than allowing it to brown.

6. 6

   Slowly pour in the half-and-half and whole milk while whisking constantly.

7. 7

   Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking frequently, for about 4–5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon.

8. 8

   Stir in the garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

9. 9

   Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.

10. 10

    Reduce the heat to low.

11. 11

    Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.

12. 12

    Add the freshly shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition has melted before adding more. Do not allow the cheese sauce to boil.

13. 13

    Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until every piece of pasta is coated. The sauce may look slightly loose at first, but it will continue to thicken as the pasta sits.

14. 14

    Serve immediately while the mac and cheese is hot and creamy.

15. 15

    For baked mac and cheese, transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese, buttered breadcrumbs, or both. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Notes

The sauce may look slightly loose at first, but it will continue to thicken as the pasta sits. For a baked version, top with extra cheese or buttered breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• side dish
• comfort food
• vegetarian
• holiday
• stovetop
• baked