Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, rich with a blend of cheeses and a smooth, velvety sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow pasta
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 ¼ cups milk
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and stir continuously, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir frequently. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar, Velveeta cubes, Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Run the cooked pasta under hot water briefly, then drain again. Stir the pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Step 6: Let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier flavor, substitute sour cream for the Greek yogurt, but note this will slightly change the taste.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for extra texture and flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese taste or mix cheeses to your preference.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to return the creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Combine and reheat just before serving for best results.
What can I use if I don’t have Velveeta cheese?
If Velveeta is unavailable, you can substitute with processed cheese or increase the amount of cheddar and use extra cream to maintain creaminess.
PrintCreamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Creamy Mac and Cheese is a rich and delicious stovetop recipe combining elbow pasta with a luscious blend of cheddar, Velveeta, Parmesan cheeses, and Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion powders, and ground mustard, this comforting dish is ideal for a satisfying main course or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow pasta
Cheese Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 ¼ cups milk
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir continuously, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux. Continue cooking and stirring over medium heat for a few minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Remove from heat once thickened.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Yogurt: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cubed Velveeta, grated Parmesan, and Greek yogurt. Add ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Run hot water over the cooked pasta to warm and slightly loosen it, drain again, and stir the pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Let it Set: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes off the heat to thicken up before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Sour cream can be substituted for Greek yogurt; however, this will slightly alter the flavor profile making it tangier.
- Make sure to stir the roux continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth cheese sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour blends.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt and pepper, as cheese can be quite salty.
Keywords: Creamy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, cheddar mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe
