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
