Upgraded Creamy Mac and Cheese

This upgraded version of mac and cheese combines extra creaminess and gourmet flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food to impress friends and family.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, rotini, shells)

Cheese Sauce

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
½ cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
Salt (to taste)

Optional Mix-Ins

½ cup cooked bacon bits
½ cup sautéed spinach
¼ cup caramelized onions
1 tablespoon hot sauce

Instructions

Cooking Pasta

Boil the pasta in a large pot until al dente.

Making the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the milk.
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.

Combining

Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and mix well.
If desired, stir in optional mix-ins like bacon bits or sautéed spinach.

Serving

Serve the mac and cheese in individual bowls or a large serving dish.
Top with extra cheese or herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, taste the cheese sauce before mixing in the pasta to adjust seasoning. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To revitalize the creaminess when reheating, add a splash of milk.

Keyword cheese sauce, comfort food, Creamy Pasta, Gourmet Mac, mac and cheese