Creamy Mac and Cheese - Ukbiddingdirectory

Creamy Mac and Cheese – Ultra Rich, Cheesy & Perfectly Creamy

This Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is everything you want in a comfort food classic: silky smooth cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and deep, rich flavor in every bite. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and tastes just like a high-end restaurant version—if not better.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving real homemade comfort food.

Ingredients

Pasta:

1 lb elbow macaroni
Water + salt (for boiling)

Creamy Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional but highly recommended)

Cheese Blend:

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella (for extra meltiness)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for richness)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1 Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2 Make the Roux

In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until smooth and lightly golden.

3 Create the Creamy Base

Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Add the heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken.

4 Season the Sauce

Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until creamy and smooth.

5 Melt the Cheese

Reduce heat to low.
Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gradually, stirring until fully melted and silky.

6 Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
Stir until every piece of pasta is well coated.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.

Optional Baked Version

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish.
Top with extra cheese and bake for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Tips for Best Results

Use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as well)
Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid grainy sauce
Mustard powder enhances cheese flavor without tasting like mustard
Add-ins: crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms