This mac and cheese is extra creamy thanks to the cream cheese, making every bite rich and comforting. It’s a delicious twist on a classic dish that everyone loves!
Honestly, I could eat this all day! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for a chilly day or when you just need some cozy food to brighten your mood! 🧀❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: The classic shape for mac and cheese! You can replace it with any short pasta like shells, penne, or cavatappi if needed—just check cooking times.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds a rich, creamy texture. If you’re on a dairy-free diet, try using a plant-based cream cheese or silken tofu for a similar consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, mild cheddar or even gouda works well. Mixing cheeses can really enhance the flavor!
Heavy Cream: For extra richness, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk if you want a lighter version. Just remember, it won’t be quite as creamy!
How Do I Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is key to this mac and cheese’s success! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by making a roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan and whisk in the flour for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. This helps to avoid a floury taste.
- Next, slowly whisk in the milk and cream. Keep stirring as it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thickened, lower the heat and mix in the cream cheese until it’s smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add in your shredded cheeses bit by bit. Stir gently until everything melts into a creamy sauce.
With these tips, your cheese sauce will be perfectly smooth and full of flavor—making your mac and cheese truly special!
Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for topping (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy mac and cheese recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and another 20 minutes for baking. In total, plan for about 40-45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually means it’s tender but still has a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
3. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
4. Create the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the Cream Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the mixture. Stir until it’s fully melted and well combined for that extra creamy texture.
6. Melt the Cheddar and Monterey Jack:
Now, add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
7. Season the Sauce:
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional garlic and onion powders. Mix well to ensure that all flavors are evenly distributed.
8. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious cheese sauce.
9. Bake the Mac and Cheese:
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish or ramekins. If you’d like, sprinkle some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper on top for a pop of color and a touch of heat.
10. Bake and Serve:
Place your mac and cheese in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. When done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. Enjoy!
Dig into your warm, creamy, and cheesy goodness! This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, inspired by Joanna Gaines’s comforting flavors!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta can have different cooking times.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use more whole milk. However, keep in mind that the texture may not be quite as creamy.
How Do I Store Leftover Mac and Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop. You may want to add a splash of milk to restore some creaminess as it reheats.
Can I Make This Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese in advance! Assemble it up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to your baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.