Cream-Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes | Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
If you’re craving a rich, comforting dish that combines creamy textures with a cheesy bite, this Cream-Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect recipe to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a casual dinner gathering, this dish will undoubtedly become a family favorite. With its creamy sauce and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s bound to impress even the most discerning mac and cheese lovers.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 1 lb |
| Margarine | 3 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tbsp |
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 16 oz |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 24.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 69.1 mg |
| Sodium | 361.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 1.8 g |
| Protein | 17.6 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Casserole Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish with cooking spray, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Set aside for later. -
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to prevent further cooking. Return the drained pasta to the pot and set aside. -
Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the margarine over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes bubbly and forms a paste-like consistency. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously after each addition. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, usually after 3-4 minutes. -
Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Once the milk mixture has thickened, add the cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese has completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Add salt to taste, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. -
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the cooked elbow macaroni. Stir gently to combine, making sure each piece of pasta is coated with the rich, cheesy sauce. -
Add the Cheddar Cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, continuing to mix until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce becomes even creamier. -
Transfer to Casserole Dish
Pour the creamy macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden finish. -
Bake
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly. If you added breadcrumbs, they should be crisp and browned. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or herbs if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Bread Crumbs: For an added texture, top the macaroni and cheese with a mixture of buttered bread crumbs before baking. This creates a deliciously crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack to customize the flavor. Mixing in a little Parmesan will also enhance the dish’s richness.
- Add-ins: Try adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli for a more hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cream-Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food. Its velvety sauce, made from a combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and milk, envelops the pasta perfectly, offering each bite a rich, cheesy flavor. It’s the kind of dish that’s great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. Simple to make yet indulgent in taste, this macaroni and cheese will soon become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness that will melt in your mouth and satisfy your cravings for a delicious, homey dish!
For more recipes like this, visit Love With Recipes.
