This creamy mac and cheese is a real treat! It mixes pasta with a rich cheese sauce and cream cheese for extra smoothness, making each bite super comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can switch it up! Other pasta shapes like cavatappi, fusilli, or even penne work great too. They hold the cheese sauce well!
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese makes this dish super creamy. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based cream cheese for a similar texture. I’ve also used ricotta in a pinch, and it added a nice flavor!
Sharp Cheddar and Mozzarella: Sharp cheddar gives that great cheesy flavor, while mozzarella adds gooeyness. If you’re short on cheddar, a mix of other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère can be used. Just make sure to keep some mozzarella for that stretch!
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half. Just be careful not to skimp on the richness if you can help it—it’s mac and cheese after all!
How Do You Get the Cream Cheese to Melt Smoothly?
Melted cream cheese can be tricky if you’re not careful. To achieve that perfect smoothness, start with softened cream cheese. Here are a few tips:
- Cut the cream cheese into small cubes; this helps it melt faster.
- Add it to the melted butter and stir constantly. This will prevent any lumps!
- Slowly whisk in your milk and heavy cream while keeping the heat on medium. This lets everything blend nicely without clumping.
With these steps, you’ll have a silky cheese sauce that coats your pasta perfectly! Enjoy your delicious and creamy mac and cheese!
Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious mac and cheese takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, making it a quick and comforting meal perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be ready for your cheesy dish right when you finish preparing it!
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 7–8 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside.
3. Melt the Butter:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbly. This will create a warm base for your creamy sauce.
4. Add Cream Cheese:
Add the softened cream cheese cubes to the melted butter. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth. Don’t rush this part—smoothness is key!
5. Make the Sauce:
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. This helps to combine everything into a smooth and creamy sauce without lumps.
6. Season the Mixture:
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Give it a taste test—adjust seasonings as you like!
7. Mix in the Cheeses:
Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until they’re completely melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
8. Combine with Pasta:
Gently fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece of pasta is well-coated with that creamy goodness.
9. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a large buttered baking dish. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top!
10. Bake Your Dish:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and turns a lovely golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
12. Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Enjoy this rich, creamy mac and cheese that’s beautifully smooth thanks to the addition of cream cheese!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with pasta shapes like cavatappi, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions until al dente.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a non-dairy option, look for a plant-based heavy cream alternative, keeping in mind that it may affect the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to help restore some creaminess.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be chilled.
