Comfort Creamy Mac & Cheese

Name: Comfort Creamy Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making this Comfort Creamy Mac & Cheese on chilly evenings. The dish brings back memories of family gatherings where we would all gather around the table, eager to dig in. With its velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it feels like a big warm hug. I’ve experimented with various cheeses and spices, and I've found the right combination that gives this classic dish a delightful twist. Each bite is simply irresistible, showcasing the true comfort of home-cooked meals.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-03T18:53:27.602Z

When I first set out to perfect my mac and cheese, I knew I wanted something that truly captured the essence of comfort food. After multiple attempts, I settled on a mix of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère for the sauce. The sharpness cuts through the creaminess, adding a depth of flavor. I also discovered that baking it for a short time gives it that golden, bubbly top that makes the experience even more special.

What really ties everything together is a touch of garlic powder and a sprinkle of paprika. These simple additions elevate the dish, transforming it from ordinary to extraordinary. Now, whenever I make it, the whole house fills with a beautiful aroma that gets everyone excited for dinner. Try this, and you'll understand why it's a family favorite!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy sauce that envelops each pasta piece
Cheese combination for a unique depth of flavor
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals

      

The Importance of Cheese Selection

Choosing the right cheeses is crucial for achieving that rich and creamy texture in your Mac & Cheese. Sharp cheddar gives it a robust flavor, while Gruyère adds a nutty depth that elevates the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with a blend of smoked Gouda or Fontina for a different flavor profile. Just remember to choose cheeses that melt well to ensure a smooth sauce.

When shopping for cheese, look for blocks instead of pre-shredded options, as block cheese tends to melt better and has superior flavor. For an extra layer of sophistication, you can also incorporate a touch of blue cheese into the mix. Just be cautious with the quantity; a little goes a long way!

Perfecting the Pasta

The choice of pasta shape can significantly impact the overall texture of your Mac & Cheese. Elbow macaroni is the classic option and holds the cheese sauce beautifully, but feel free to substitute with cavatappi or shell pasta for added fun. These shapes have ridges and pockets that capture sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Be sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven if you decide to bake it. Also, tossing the pasta with a bit of olive oil before adding it to the cheese sauce can help prevent it from sticking together.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Comfort Creamy Mac & Cheese is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta ahead of time, combining them together and refrigerating the dish until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to add a splash of milk if the mixture seems too thick upon reheating to maintain that creamy texture.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but I recommend doing so in short bursts and stirring frequently to avoid patchy heating.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking!

Ingredients for Comfort Creamy Mac & Cheese

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Make sure you have everything prepped before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious mac and cheese!

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.

Add the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted. Mix in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. If desired, transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.

Bake and Serve

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Dig into your warm and cheesy creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor twist, try adding cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables to the pasta before mixing in the cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Mac & Cheese is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the creaminess, providing a balance that makes for a well-rounded meal. Alternatively, I love pairing it with grilled vegetables or sautéed greens for a healthy twist.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick. If you’re serving a crowd, individual ramekins of Mac & Cheese baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping make for beautiful presentations.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your cheese sauce is lumpy, it may be due to not whisking the milk in gradually. To avoid this, always whisk continuously while adding the milk to ensure a smooth consistency. If lumps do form, blending the sauce with an immersion blender can help rescue it.

Another common issue is the sauce becoming too thick. If this happens, slowly add more milk, a little at a time, while heating and stirring until you reach your desired consistency. This can happen, especially if you’re using particularly dry cheese or if it sits for a bit before serving.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up for a larger crowd is straightforward. For every additional four servings, just add an extra cup of pasta and a corresponding increase in cheese and milk to maintain the same creamy ratio. Keep in mind that larger batches may require slightly longer cooking times when baking, so check for that golden bubbly top before removing it from the oven.

If you're scaling down, halve the amounts precisely, but be cautious with spices. It might be beneficial to adjust seasonings to taste, as halving won't always yield the ideal flavor balance. Just a pinch of salt and pepper can often go a long way!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free macaroni?

Absolutely! Just ensure your cheese and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

→ What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

You can substitute Gruyère with mozzarella or a mild cheddar for a similar effect.

→ How can I make this recipe healthier?

Using whole wheat pasta and reducing the amount of cheese or using low-fat versions can help make it healthier.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine and bake when ready to serve.