There’s something about a heaping bowl of mac and cheese that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. With a silky twist of cream cheese woven into every strand of elbow pasta, this Creamy Mac and Cheese With Cream Cheese elevates a familiar favorite into an utterly indulgent experience. Whether you’re diving in for a cozy lunch on a rainy afternoon or serving it up as a comforting dinner on a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers on cheesy richness without feeling overly heavy. Designed for Beginner cooks, it takes just 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and a short 5-minute rest to reach its full, gooey glory—clocking in around 600 calories per serving.
As you stir the butter and flour into a smooth roux, and watch the milk and cream thicken into a luscious base, you’ll appreciate the magic behind that velvety sauce. The cubed cream cheese melts into a satin-smooth concoction that clings to every nook of the al dente macaroni. A blend of sharp cheddar and stretchy mozzarella delivers that classic duo of tang and gooey pull, while a dash of garlic and onion powders adds savory depth. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and a whisper of warmth. By the time you dish it up, you’ll have created a bowl of pure, cheesy comfort that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to resist.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN MAC AND CHEESE WITH CREAM CHEESE
Every superstar recipe stands on the shoulders of its ingredients, and this mac and cheese is no exception. Below you’ll find the cast of characters that make this dish shine, along with a glimpse into why each one is so important.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic bite-sized pasta that soaks up sauce beautifully, giving each forkful a perfect ratio of noodle to cheese.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation for the roux, allowing you to control the salt level without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the milk and cream into a silky sauce, ensuring that your cheese coating clings to every noodle, not pool at the bottom of the dish.
- Milk: Adds light creaminess and balances the richness of the cheese, creating a smooth texture without feeling too heavy.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious mouthfeel and opulent thickness, making every bite decadently rich.
- Cream Cheese: The secret weapon that transforms traditional mac and cheese into velvet heaven, adding tangy creaminess and extra body to the sauce.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings bold flavor and that unmistakable cheesy tang, ensuring the dish doesn’t taste flat or one-note.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretch and ooey-gooey pull, giving you those delightful cheese strings we all love.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, savory kick without the risk of burning fresh garlic, enhancing depth in the sauce.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity, rounding out the flavor profile with mild aromatic notes.
- Salt: Balances and amplifies all other flavors, ensuring your mac and cheese isn’t bland.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic finish, cutting through the richness for a well-rounded bite.
- Paprika: Optional yet beautiful for garnish—lends a hint of color and a soft, smoky edge.
HOW TO MAKE MAC AND CHEESE WITH CREAM CHEESE
Ready to transform humble ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece? These step-by-step instructions will guide you through creating a rich, creamy sauce and coating each piece of pasta in indulgent goodness.
1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it reaches that perfect tender-but-firm texture, drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. As soon as it foams, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue whisking for about one minute until the mixture forms a golden, smooth paste—this is your roux, the foundation of a lusciously thick sauce.
3. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to dissolve any lumps. Keep whisking until the liquid mixture becomes smooth and begins to thicken, usually around 3–4 minutes—this ensures a velvety base for melting cheese.
4. Add the cubed cream cheese pieces, stirring continuously until each cube has melted completely and you have a flawlessly smooth sauce. This step creates that signature silky twist.
5. Lower the heat to low, then add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir gently but persistently until all strands of cheese have melted and the sauce turns luxuriously creamy without separating.
6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of savory warmth and mild spice.
7. Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is fully coated with the decadent mixture. Make sure no pasta is left bare—it should be awash in cheesy goodness.
8. Transfer everything to a serving dish. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a thin layer of paprika on top for a pop of color and a whisper of extra flavor.
9. Serve immediately while hot, and savor the creamy, cheesy delight. Each bite should deliver a harmonious blend of textures, from the tender pasta to the silky sauce.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MAC AND CHEESE WITH CREAM CHEESE
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a warm, cheesy treat, presentation and pairings can elevate your mac and cheese to restaurant-worthy status. These serving ideas will help you turn that humble casserole dish into a show-stopping centerpiece that’s sure to spark conversation and satisfy every palate.
- Serve in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Top each portion with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs and broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a crunchy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in bright lemon vinaigrette. The acidity and freshness of baby arugula or mixed greens cut through the richness, creating a harmonious bite that feels balanced and light.
- Offer a side of garlic bread or herb-buttered crostini. The crunchy garlic-butter spread soaks up any extra sauce and provides an irresistible textural contrast that guests will love.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives and an extra dusting of smoked paprika. Not only does this add a pop of color, but the herbal notes also bring a final layer of flavor that makes each forkful more exciting.
HOW TO STORE MAC AND CHEESE WITH CREAM CHEESE
Leftover mac and cheese can be just as delightful as the first scoop, if stored properly. Storing it the right way preserves that silky texture and prevents the sauce from becoming grainy or separating. Here are some tried-and-true methods to ensure freshness and flavor for days—or even weeks—to come.
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature (no more than two hours on the counter), then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers, leaving about half an inch of headspace for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating on the Stove: Place leftovers in a non-stick skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add small splashes of milk or cream to bring back that silky texture and avoid drying out the pasta.
- Make-Ahead Assembly: If you plan to bake your mac and cheese later, assemble the dish up to step 7, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge overnight. When ready, sprinkle with paprika or breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden.
CONCLUSION
This Creamy Mac and Cheese With Cream Cheese has all the hallmarks of classic comfort food—rich, cheesy sauce, tender elbow pasta, and a velvety finish—yet it offers that extra special twist thanks to cream cheese. Whether you’re new to homemade mac and cheese or a seasoned kitchen pro, this beginner-friendly recipe will become a go-to in your dinner rotation. With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can treat family and friends to a dish that’s both ultra-indulgent and surprisingly simple to pull together. You’ll love how quickly the cheese melts into that luxurious sauce, how the spices round out the flavors, and how the paprika garnish adds a touch of visual flair.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your favorite recipe binder for easy reference. You can revisit these instructions any time you’re craving a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch. Scroll down for a helpful FAQ section below where you’ll find answers to common questions about substitutions, reheating tips, and more. If you give this creamy mac and cheese a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, share your own tweaks, or let me know if you have any questions or need a hand perfecting the sauce. Happy cooking and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this mac and cheese that boasts a velvety cream cheese sauce. Each bite is rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
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Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the cream cheese cubes, stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
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Reduce the heat to low and add in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and mix well.
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Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
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Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle paprika on top for a pop of color.
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Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy delight.
Note
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms.
- You can use different types of cheese like Gruyère or Gouda for a unique twist.
- Bake the mac and cheese with some breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and then baked before serving.
