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–+ servings
Bowl of creamy dreamy mac and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and herbs

Creamy Dreamy Mac & Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese features a perfect blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and Gruyère, delivering a silky, comforting dish that’s quick to prepare without an oven needed.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mac & Cheese
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk for richness)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Optional Toppings
  • Fresh breadcrumbs for topping (optional)
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once bubbling, sprinkle in the flour and mix with a whisk to create a roux, cooking for a couple of minutes until smooth.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir until the mixture starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cheddar and Gruyère until melted, then fold in the cream cheese until creamy. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, coating every noodle.
Optional Topping
  1. Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil for a few minutes until golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

Feel free to mix cheese varieties or add spices. This recipe is adaptable for gluten-free and vegan versions.

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