Creamy Mac and Cheese Bliss
Comfort food often evokes memories of home and warmth, as well as the simple joy of a hearty meal shared with loved ones. One of my absolute favorites is a creamy, cheesy macaroni dish that perfectly balances comfort and indulgence. With rich notes of garlic and a melty blend of cheeses, this recipe offers a taste of nostalgia that makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or even a cozy gathering with friends. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles around the dinner table and warms your heart, making it a timeless classic every household should have.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to whip up this delightful macaroni and cheese recipe. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and universally loved, making it a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that satisfies without breaking the bank. Plus, kids adore it—who can resist cheesy goodness? Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or just indulging in some self-care, this dish fits the bill.
"This macaroni and cheese is a game changer! So creamy and delicious, and it’s always a hit with the kids!" – Sarah K.
The Cooking Process Explained
Let’s break down how this creamy comfort food comes together. The process is surprisingly straightforward and can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for any night of the week. You’ll start by cooking the macaroni right in the chicken broth for added flavor. While that’s happening, you’ll create a dreamy cheese sauce that marries a few simple ingredients into something quite special.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious macaroni dish:
- 4-5 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1¼ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces spreadable cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese (or additional cheddar cheese)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Feel free to adjust the cheeses based on what you have in your fridge or adapt it for dietary preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, as per package instructions. Importantly, do not drain—it’s packed with flavor!
-
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
-
Add in the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth consistency.
-
Incorporate the onion powder, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep cooking while whisking until the sauce thickens and bubbles, then let it boil for about 1 minute.
-
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese, cheddar, and Swiss cheese. Stir until everything is nicely melted and smooth.
-
Now, combine the cooked pasta (with the broth) into the cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly, then heat through for about 3 minutes, ensuring everything is hot and well mixed.
-
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Feel free to garnish with additional cheese or parsley for that extra pop of flavor and color!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving this creamy macaroni and cheese is a wonderful opportunity to get a little creative. Consider topping it off with extra cheese before popping it under the broiler for a few minutes to get that beautiful, golden crust. Pair it with a crisp green salad or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken—just perfect for those family gatherings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.
If you want to make it ahead or save some for later, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container. Just note that the texture might slightly change upon thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For an even creamier sauce, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- Don’t skip the whisking! This prevents lumps from forming in your cheese sauce.
- Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Creative Twists
Feel like switching it up? Here are a few ideas to give this recipe a fresh spin:
- Add cooked, shredded chicken or crispy bacon to turn it into a heartier meal.
- Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or tomatoes for added nutrition.
Your Questions Answered
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep, with a total cooking time of around 15 minutes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta like penne or shells will work well.
How do I keep the mac and cheese from drying out when reheating?
Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating will help restore its creamy consistency.
This macaroni and cheese recipe encapsulates everything we love about comfort food—warmth, heartiness, and just the right amount of cheesy indulgence. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 1¼ cups uncooked elbow macaroni Can substitute with any short pasta like penne or shells.
- 4-5 cups chicken broth or stock
For the cheese sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing the garlic and flour.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Used to thicken the cheese sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- 1 cup milk For a creamy consistency.
- 4 ounces spreadable cream cheese Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Main cheese for flavor.
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese Can substitute with additional cheddar.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once bubbling, add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Do not drain.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in onion powder, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking while whisking until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese, cheddar, and Swiss cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta (with the broth) into the cheese mixture and stir thoroughly, heating through for about 3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with additional cheese or parsley if desired.
