If you’re in search of pure comfort that tastes like a warm family hug, Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese is your ticket to bliss. Imagine a bubbling pot of tender pasta swirled through a silken, ultra-creamy cheese sauce made even more swoon-worthy with a secret helping of cream cheese for extra richness. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weeknight dinner or need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this version packs everything you love about classic mac and cheese but turns the dial up to ten on flavor and indulgence.

Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes, the magic is in the simplicity, and that’s exactly what happens here—the right handful of ingredients come together for a mac that’s both nostalgic and luxuriously modern. Each one matters, bringing its own little superpower to the dreamy, creamy sauce and perfectly tender pasta.

Pasta: Choose elbow macaroni, shells, or penne—each holds the sauce beautifully and gives that classic comfort food texture.
Unsalted Butter: Adds buttery richness and helps create the velvety roux base for the sauce.
All-purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce just enough to cling to every noodle.
Milk: Use whole or 2% for the creamiest sauce—warming it first helps everything blend smoothly.
White Cheddar Cheese: Shredded fresh for that sharp, melty snap and gorgeous pale-yellow hue.
Cream Cheese (optional but magical): The star that gives Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese its signature silky, slightly tangy twist.
Sea Salt: Balances the cheese and makes all the flavors pop—don’t skip the taste test at the end!
Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Brings that subtle background heat and aroma, rounding out every bite.

How to Make Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a vast pot of salted water to a lively boil, then add your favorite pasta shape. Cook the noodles just shy of al dente—about one minute less than the package says. This little trick means the pasta stays pleasantly toothsome and soaks up all that glorious cheese sauce without turning mushy. Drain and set aside, resisting the urge to rinse!

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Add the Flour

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt your butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the melted butter, then whisk, whisk, whisk! The goal is a smooth, golden paste called a roux. Cook it for a minute or two until it smells a bit nutty and loses that raw flour taste—this is the base of your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Gradually Add the Milk

Take your time adding the warm milk; pour in about a third, whisking constantly so no lumps form. Let it thicken slightly before adding the next third, then finish with the final third. Gentle, steady whisking helps your sauce turn ultra-smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Simmer Until the Sauce Thickens

Keep the pot over medium heat, whisking as the sauce gently simmers. In a few minutes, you’ll see it transform: it should coat the back of a spoon and have a velvety, creamy texture that begs for cheese.

Step 5: Add the Cream Cheese and Cheddar

Lower the heat to prevent scorching, then add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it’s almost fully melted (a few small streaks are fine). Now, gradually add shredded white cheddar by the handful, stirring between each addition so the sauce turns irresistibly stringy and smooth—the hallmark of Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese!

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Add the sea salt and black pepper, pausing to taste and adjust. It should taste just a little bit bolder than you might expect—remember, the pasta will mellow the flavors as it soaks up the sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked pasta into your cheese sauce and give it a gentle but thorough stir, coating every noodle. The sauce may look a bit plentiful at first, but trust the process—the pasta will drink it up while resting.

Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve

Cover the pot with a lid and let your mac and cheese rest for five glorious minutes. This is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens, the flavors meld, and everything becomes even creamier. Stir once more, then dish it up hot and creamy!

How to Serve Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese

Garnishes

For a touch of flair and extra flavor, sprinkle chopped chives, fresh parsley, or even a pinch of smoked paprika over the top. A dusting of toasted breadcrumbs adds irresistible crunch, perfect for dressing up your Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese for guests or special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair your creamy masterpiece with bright, tangy sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlicky broccoli. If you’re feeling festive, a platter of barbecue or juicy rotisserie chicken turns this dish into a full-on feast that makes everyone at the table happy.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the mac and cheese into individual ramekins for charming single servings, or bake it under the broiler with a sprinkle of extra cheddar for a bubbly, golden crown. For potlucks, serve family-style in a colorful casserole dish—watch it disappear within minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese to an airtight container once cooled. It will keep nicely in the fridge for up to four days, staying creamy with just a quick reheat.

Freezing

If you want to stash some comfort for later, portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers. The mac and cheese freezes well for about two months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To revive your leftovers, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until loose and creamy. The microwave works in a pinch too—just reheat in short bursts, stirring between each to keep the texture dreamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese besides white cheddar?

Absolutely! While white cheddar gives Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese its sharp, buttery richness, feel free to mix in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for your own signature blend.

Is the cream cheese essential?

You can skip it, but you’ll miss out on that ultra-creamy texture and subtle tang that truly makes this recipe sing. If you’re lactose intolerant or simply don’t have cream cheese, just use a bit more cheddar and a splash of heavy cream instead.

Can I bake this mac and cheese?

Yes! Pour the finished mac into a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and a bit more cheddar, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden. The creamy core and crisp topping is an unbeatable duo.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from turning grainy?

The secret is to melt the cheese slowly over low heat, and always add it in small handfuls. Rapid heating and too much cheese at once can cause the sauce to split or get gritty, so patience pays off!

Can I use gluten-free pasta or flour?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and all-purpose gluten-free flour blend; the steps and taste remain just as dreamy, and everyone can join in the Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese fun.

Final Thoughts

If you crave cheesy, creamy comfort that wows every time, don’t wait another minute to try Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgic goodness and new-school creaminess—once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever did mac and cheese any other way. Invite your favorite people over and get ready for some serious smiles!

Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese is a creamy and indulgent dish that combines white cheddar and cream cheese for extra richness. Perfect for a comforting family meal or a potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound (450g) dried pasta like elbow macaroni, shells or penne
5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
5 cups (1180ml) milk, warmed, whole or 2% reduced fat preferred
1 pound (450g) white cheddar cheese, shredded

Optional Ingredient:

4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions, then drain.
Melt the butter and add the flour: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk until it forms a thick paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until it smells toasted and turns light brown.
Gradually add the milk: Slowly pour in a third of the warm milk while whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Repeat with another third, then the final third, whisking well after each addition.
Simmer until the sauce thickens: Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce starts to simmer and thickens to a creamy consistency.
Add the cream cheese and cheddar: Turn the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until mostly melted. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted.
Season the sauce: Add salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. If the flavors aren’t bold enough, add a little more salt.
Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. The sauce will seem slightly excessive, but the pasta will absorb it as it rests.
Let it rest and serve: Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir again before serving.

Notes

You can add breadcrumbs and bake the mac and cheese for a crispy topping.
Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Creamy Macaroni and Cheese, Comfort Food Recipe