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Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This creamy and comforting Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich cheese sauce made with cream cheese and cheddar. The cheesy pasta is baked to perfection with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping, creating a delightful texture contrast. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, this classic comfort food is easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1–3/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Topping

  • 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the mac and cheese is assembled.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Prepare Roux: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook while stirring until smooth and bubbly, creating a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of whole milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook and stir for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens sufficiently.
  5. Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low, then add the cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, spicy brown mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat each piece thoroughly with the cheesy mixture.
  7. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the macaroni and cheese into a greased shallow 3-quart or 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  8. Prepare Topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then toss with dry bread crumbs and minced fresh parsley. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce along with the milk.
  • Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Mozzarella to vary the flavor profile.
  • To make breadcrumbs from scratch, toast some bread slices and pulse them in a food processor until coarse crumbs form.
  • You can add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or jalapeños to the cheese sauce for added flavor and texture.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 490mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Find it online: https://yumyy.com/cream-cheese-mac-and-cheese-casserole-recipe/