Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, loved by many for its rich, cheesy goodness. But have you ever tried adding cream cheese to your mac and cheese? This simple twist creates an incredibly creamy texture that takes the classic dish to a whole new level. With the perfect blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar, this mac and cheese with cream cheese is sure to become a favorite, whether as a main dish or a delectable side at any gathering. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients Needed
To make this creamy mac and cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 8 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese or Monterey Jack
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. It’s important not to overcook the pasta since it will continue to cook when baked later.
Prepare the Roux
Next, prepare the roux, which is the base of your cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. This process usually takes about 1-2 minutes. The roux acts as a thickening agent for your sauce, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.
Make the Cheese Sauce
Now, it’s time to make the cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the sauce is thickened, add the hot sauce, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. These ingredients add depth and a bit of a kick to the flavor profile.
Next, reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Then, gradually add the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The combination of these cheeses creates a rich, flavorful sauce that’s hard to resist.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
With the cheese sauce ready, it’s time to combine it with the cooked pasta. In a greased baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over the pasta. Stir gently to ensure that all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce. This step is crucial as it ensures every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Bake to Perfection
To finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. This will add a delightful crunchy texture to the creamy dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the mac and cheese for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. The baking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both creamy and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked to perfection, let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is delicious on its own, but it can be elevated with a few additions. Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the cheese. For a bit of extra flavor, you can also sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, on top before serving.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the mac and cheese in the oven or microwave until heated through. The flavors will meld even more over time, making the leftovers just as delightful. You can also add a splash of milk when reheating to restore some of the creaminess.
