Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe with Cream Cheese

Create a rich homemade mac and cheese recipe with cream cheese using high-quality dairy.

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente for the best texture.

Make a roux with butter and flour then whisk in milk and heavy cream to thicken.

Remove the saucepan from heat before melting in shredded cheddar and cream cheese to prevent graininess.

Combine the sauce and noodles gently to coat every piece.

Serve warm for a creamy meal or bake with a panko topping for extra crunch.

Gather the necessary ingredients for the sauce.

A successful homemade mac and cheese recipe with cream cheese relies on high-quality dairy.

Fresh ingredients ensure the sauce clings to every noodle.

The Sauce Base

Start with the roux foundation.

This mixture binds the liquids.

Using heavy cream makes the dish decadent.

Check out this homemade mac and cheese recipe with heavy cream for a richer version.

Cheese Selection

The star of the show is the cheese blend.

Block cheese melts better than pre-shredded bags.

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.

These agents can make the sauce grainy.

Grate your own cheese for smooth results.

• Cream Cheese: The secret to the creamy texture.
• Sharp Cheddar: Gives the main flavor punch.
• Monterey Jack: Melts exceptionally well.

For a more complex flavor profile, explore a homemade 5 cheese mac and cheese blend.

Flavor Enhancers

Salt and pepper are standard.

Mustard powder cuts through the fat.

It adds a tangy depth without a strong mustard taste.

A dash of hot sauce wakes up the palate.

Onion powder provides a savory background note.

Prepare these before turning on the stove.

Organization helps the cooking process go smoothly.

This preparation is vital for any homemade mac and cheese baked recipe.

Boil the pasta until al dente.

Select a large stockpot.

Fill it with water.

Use plenty of water to prevent sticking.

Add a generous amount of salt.

The water should taste salty like the sea.

This is the only chance to season the pasta itself.

Bring the water to a vigorous boil.

Add the noodles slowly.

Stir immediately with a spoon or fork.

Separate the pieces.

This keeps them from clumping together.

Pasta Shapes

Shape affects the eating experience.

Some shapes hold sauce better than others.

Testing Doneness

Start checking before the package time.

Usually about one minute early.

Bite into a piece.

Look for a white dot in the center.

This indicates al dente.

The pasta should be firm but not crunchy.

It will cook more in the sauce later.

Perfect texture is essential for recipes for homemade mac and cheese.

Drain the pasta in a colander.

Shake well to remove excess water.

Never rinse with cold water.

Rinsing washes away surface starch.

Starch is needed for sauce adhesion.

Return pasta to the warm pot.

This prevents drying out.

Proceed immediately to sauce preparation.

If baking, prepare your dish.

You might need the correct baked mac and cheese recipe oven temp soon.

Keep the pasta warm.

Cold pasta absorbs sauce too fast.

This results in dry mac and cheese.

Follow these steps for a baked mac and cheese recipe simple outcome.

Melt butter and mix the cheeses.

Place a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add the butter.

Let it melt completely but do not let it brown.

Whisk in the flour once the butter bubbles.

Cook this mixture for one minute.

This removes the raw flour taste.

A good roux is the foundation.

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream.

Whisk continuously to break up any lumps.

Simmer the mixture.

Wait until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Cheese Melting Guide

Remove the pan from the heat.

Adding cheese to boiling liquid causes separation.

Stir in the cream cheese first.

It melts quickly and adds tang.

Follow with the shredded cheddar.

Add handfuls at a time.

Stir until fully melted before adding more.

• Grate cheese from blocks for smooth melting.
• Room temperature cheese melts faster.
• Do not over-stir once melted.

This creates the perfect easy homemade mac and cheese sauce.

The sauce should be glossy and thick.

Season with salt and pepper now.

Combine pasta with the creamy sauce.

Pour the hot cheese sauce over the drained pasta.

Use the same pot you cooked the noodles in.

The residual heat keeps the mixture warm.

Do not rinse the pasta.

Starch helps the sauce stick.

Mixing Technique

Fold the sauce into the noodles gently.

Use a rubber spatula or large spoon.

Scoop from the bottom to the top.

This ensures every macaroni gets coated.

Avoid vigorous stirring.

It breaks the noodles and makes the dish gummy.

The homemade mac and cheese recipe with cream cheese requires thorough coverage.

Consistency Check

The sauce thickens rapidly off the heat.

If it looks too stiff, add liquid.

Use warm milk or reserved pasta water.

Add it one tablespoon at a time.

Stir until the desired creaminess returns.

• Check salt levels.
• Add pepper for heat.
• Taste before serving.

Serve immediately for a homemade mac and cheese recipe stovetop style meal.

For a crispy topping, proceed to baking.

This method creates a baked mac and cheese recipe simple enough for weeknights.

Ensure the pasta is swimming in sauce.

It absorbs more liquid while baking.

This prevents a dry casserole.

Follow these steps for a perfect homemade stovetop mac and cheese recipe.

Serve warm or add a crispy topping.

Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

The sauce coats noodles best right off the stove.

Spoon generous portions into bowls.

Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Black pepper adds a nice visual finish.

Eat it fresh for the best cheese pull.

Adding A Crispy Topping

For a crunchy texture, bake the dish.

Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.

Spread the pasta evenly.

Prepare the crispy topping mixture.

Combine melted butter with panko breadcrumbs.

Panko creates a lighter crunch than standard crumbs.

Mix in grated parmesan cheese.

This adds a salty, savory bite.

Sprinkle the mixture generously over the pasta.

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the dish on the center rack.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Watch for the top to turn golden brown.

The cheese sauce should bubble along the edges.

For extra crunch, broil for the last two minutes.

Watch closely to prevent burning.

Remove the dish from the oven.

Let it rest for five minutes.

This allows the sauce to set slightly.

It makes serving cleaner.

Scoop hot portions onto plates.

Enjoy this homemade mac and cheese baked recipe.