Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic comfort food with a creamy, dreamy twist, then this Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the addition of cream cheese transforms the traditional mac and cheese into something richer and silkier, without being heavy or overpowering. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe never fails to impress — plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull off!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe, I always like to keep the ingredients straightforward. Each one plays a key role in creating the creamy sauce and that golden, crunchy crust. When shopping, look for full-fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar to maximize flavor.

• Uncooked elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice here for that perfect chewy bite and great sauce absorption.
• Butter: Divided use; some goes in the sauce to enrich it, and some melts into the breadcrumb topping for crunch and flavor.
• All-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent to get that cheese sauce nice and smooth.
• Whole milk: I prefer whole milk here for creaminess, but you can experiment with 2% if needed.
• Cream cheese: Cubed cream cheese blends in to give the sauce a luscious texture and tangy depth.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold cheesy flavor; freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded.
• Spicy brown mustard: Just the touch of tanginess to brighten the sauce and balance the richness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle kick, keeping the sauce lively.
• Dry bread crumbs: For that toasty topping – I often use panko for extra crunch.
• Fresh parsley: Finely minced, it adds color and fresh herbal notes.

Variations

What I love about this Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to personalize it — I’ve tried a few different ways, and each turn out delicious.

• Adding Bacon: I once tossed in crispy bacon bits before baking, and it gave the dish a smoky, savory upgrade that my family couldn’t get enough of.
• Using Different Cheeses: Mixing in gouda or pepper jack can boost the flavor profile, and I recommend experimenting to find your fave combo.
• Gluten-Free: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free bread crumbs for the topping to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Extra Veggies: For a veggie boost, stirring in steamed broccoli or peas right before baking adds color and nutrients.

How to Make Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking 1-3/4 cups of elbow macaroni according to the package directions, usually about 7-8 minutes until al dente. I always taste a piece a minute or two before the timer to prevent mushiness. Drain well and set aside — you don’t want any excess water diluting that luscious cheese sauce later.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth roux — this thickens the sauce, so make sure there are no lumps. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once it thickens (about 2 minutes), reduce heat to low.

Now comes the magic: add the cubed 8 ounces cream cheese and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Also stir in 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Keep stirring until all the cheeses melt into a smooth, silky sauce. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it — trust me, you want that perfect creamy consistency.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Pour the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and gently stir until every noodle is coated. You’ll get this beautiful glossy finish that promises comfort in every bite. If you try it at this stage, you’ll notice the delicious melty tang from the cream cheese—definitely my favorite part.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking and Topping with Crunch

Transfer everything to a greased shallow 3-quart or 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss it with 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the dish into a preheated 400°F oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and crunchy. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid burning—the smell will let you know when it’s time to take it out.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a slight herbal freshness. Sometimes, a dusting of smoked paprika or a little cracked black pepper on top takes it up a notch and looks inviting on the plate. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of truffle oil is heavenly, but totally optional!

Side Dishes

This Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus — they cut through the richness perfectly. I also enjoy serving it alongside a fresh salad with a vinaigrette to balance the meal. On cooler nights, some garlic bread warms up the whole table vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to bake mini servings in ramekins or small cast-iron skillets — they look so charming and make portion control easy. You can also add layers of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions in between pasta and cheese for a gourmet touch. It’s a fun way to elevate this comfort classic without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I like to let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes to ensure even warming later. It reheats beautifully without drying out if you add a splash of milk.

Freezing

Freezing this Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe is totally doable! I portion it into freezer-safe containers (without the breadcrumb topping) and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh bread crumbs and bake until bubbly and golden.

Reheating

To reheat, the oven is your best friend — bake at 350°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a little milk or cream cheese before reheating helps bring back that creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts stirring in between works fine but might sacrifice some creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together the best of creamy, cheesy comfort food with a homemade touch that feels like a warm hug. Once you make it, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this dish for family dinners or anytime I need cozy vibes on a plate. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it, and it might just become your favorite mac and cheese recipe too!

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