Creamy Mac and Cheese
Serves 4
15 mins prep
35 mins cook
50 mins total
This easy homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese is a classic staple. With a rich and luscious cheese sauce that is absolutely divine! Great for your dinner rotation, potlucks, or the holidays!
Cheese Sauce
Other ingredients
Grate the cheese needed and set aside. Prepare all the other ingredients and preheat oven to 350 F.
Cook macaroni/pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/3 cup of pasta water for later.
Over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Turn heat down to medium low then add flour. Stir with a whisk until well combined and let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
Increase temperature to medium high heat then gradually pour in milk. Keep stirring until all the milk has been poured. Bring to a simmer.
Once simmering, turn heat down to medium low and add seasoning and the cheese (cream cheese, half of the sharp cheddar and gruyere). Stir until everything is well combined.
Add 1/3 cup pasta water and chili oil (optional). Stir well before adding cooked pasta/macaroni. Stir well before transferring it to an oven safe baking dish. You can stop here and serve or make it extra cheesy with the next step.
Add the remaining cheese on top (including grated parmesan if you want) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until you're happy with the cheese crust. Garnish with parsley and chili flakes (optional). Serve while hot, enjoy!
