Picture this: a casual Saturday night, the sun setting, and you have friends over for a game night. You want something cozy to serve, but you also want it to be a bit special. That’s when I think about baked mac and cheese.
It’s like giving comfort food a twist, and paired with a side of fresh salad or garlic bread, it becomes the star of the event. People dig into their bowls, and all you can hear is the happy slurping of cheese and pasta.
Baked mac and cheese is a classic that needs no introduction. You know it, you love it, and if you haven't already heard about the magic of cream cheese in this dish, then you're in for a treat! Cream cheese adds a smooth, rich texture that elevates the dish, making it extra creamy and satisfying.
Trust me, every bite will have you wanting just a bit more.
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At its core, baked mac and cheese is a delightful concoction of macaroni pasta mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. The twist here is the addition of cream cheese, which not only enhances the creaminess but brings a slight tang that balances perfectly with the other cheeses.
This baked mac and cheese is special because it marries various cheeses together—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, colby jack, and American—all while incorporating cream cheese for that velvety smoothness. Many traditional recipes might rely solely on one or two types of cheese, but here, we create a multi-dimensional flavor that is sure to impress.
Imagine a rich, creamy texture with a perfect blend of flavors. The sharp cheddar provides a delightful bite, while the colby jack and mozzarella keep it smooth and satisfying. The cream cheese infuses the dish with an extra layer of creaminess that makes every mouthful a decadent experience. You might even catch hints of smokiness from the paprika sprinkled on top.
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the pan
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 10 cups of chicken broth mixed with water
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, reserve half for topping
- 8 ounces colby jack cheese, shredded, reserve half for topping
- 8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces American cheese, cubed
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese, warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 large eggs
- Suggested Additions: ½ cup cooked bacon bits or ½ cup steamed broccoli (these really bring something extra to the party!)
Ingredients From : sweetteaandthyme.com
Creating this heavenly dish is straightforward. The steps flow harmoniously, like a well-choreographed dance in the kitchen. In just a few steps, you’ll have a creamy masterpiece waiting to be devoured!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grab an 8-by-11 or 9-by-13-inch baking dish and butter it generously. This will cleverly prevent your cheesy creation from sticking. Set it aside while you prepare your pasta.
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, fill it halfway with chicken broth mixed with water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, toss in the elbow macaroni. You want to cook it just below al dente—don't overdo it, as it will further bake in the oven. After draining the pasta, set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, take a large mixing bowl and add half of the shredded sharp cheddar and colby jack cheeses. Dump in the mozzarella, cubed American cheese, and the soft cream cheese. Then pour in the half-and-half and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to mix this all together blissfully until it's well combined.
Now the fun part! Add in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Remember, taste as you go. The cheese will bring some saltiness to the dish as it bakes, so be light-handed with it at this stage. Stir well to ensure a lovely mix of flavors.
Pour the slightly cooled, drained macaroni into the cheese mixture. Crack in the two large eggs and stir until everything is beautifully combined. You want to see the macaroni fully coated in that cheesy goodness.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into your buttered baking dish. Spread it evenly to make sure each scoop bakes nicely. Top it off with the reserved cheese—both cheddar and colby jack for that dazzling golden crust. If you fancy an extra kick, a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top wouldn’t hurt.
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Watch for that irresistible bubbly, golden perfection. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before diving in—this will prevent anyone from getting too burnt by the ooey-gooey goodness!
- Pasta Choice: While elbow macaroni is a classic, try different shapes like shells or cavatappi for a fun twist!
- Cheese Variety: Mix and match your favorite cheeses. A little gouda or provolone could add depth.
- Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition!
- For a Crunch: Consider adding a topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter and herbs for a delightful crunch.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese a day ahead. Just pop it in the fridge and bake it when ready to serve.
To store your creamy baked mac and cheese, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until heated through. If you want to keep it creamy, adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating can help restore its consistency.
- With Grilled Chicken: Pair with simply grilled chicken breast for a balanced meal.
- Fresh Salad: A light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette cuts the richness perfectly.
- Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Steamed Broccoli: This classic pairing makes for a delicious and wholesome meal.
- Garlic Bread: Nothing says comfort like a side of buttery, garlicky bread to scoop up that cheesy goodness!
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Use a gluten-free pasta alternative to cater to dietary needs.
- Plant-Based Cream Cheese: For a vegan option, swap in a plant-based cream cheese.
- Different Cheese Types: Feel free to substitute pepper jack for a little heat or mild cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Veggie Broth: If you want a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Greek Yogurt: Replace some of the cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed alternative.
Baked mac and cheese with cream cheese is a delightful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Not only is it incredibly filling and flavorful, but it’s also versatile enough to make it your own. With simple ingredients, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing meal that marries comfort with creativity.
This recipe is perfect for any gathering or simply to indulge in at home. Now, gather those ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Trust me—once you try this version, your traditional mac and cheese days will be a thing of the past.
Baked mac and cheese is a classic that needs no introduction. You know it, you love it, and if you haven't already heard about the magic of cream cheese in this dish, then you're in for a treat! Cream cheese adds a smooth, rich texture that elevates the dish, making it extra creamy and satisfying.
Servings 8
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Pasta Choice: While elbow macaroni is a classic, try different shapes like shells or cavatappi for a fun twist!
- Cheese Variety: Mix and match your favorite cheeses. A little gouda or provolone could add depth.
- Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition!
- For a Crunch: Consider adding a topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter and herbs for a delightful crunch.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese a day ahead. Just pop it in the fridge and bake it when ready to serve.
Lauren Miller is a Maryland-based registered dietitian and the creator of Comfort Food Meals, where she shares easy, nutritious, and heartwarming recipes inspired by her love for comforting, home-cooked meals. With a focus on using wholesome ingredients, Lauren aims to balance indulgence with nutrition in every dish. Her goal is to help others create meals that nourish both body and soul.