Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Mac Cheese

Cream Cheese Mac Cheese The Creamiest Comfort Food

By Amara Vitalis July 17, 2025

Table of Contents

Creamy Dreamy: Get Ready for The Best Mac And Cheese

Fancy a bit of comfort food, eh? Ever had mac and cheese with cream cheese? It's a game changer, honestly.

This recipe will show you how to make a creamy mac and cheese that's proper lush.

What's the Story Behind This Velvety Mac and Cheese Recipe ?

Mac and cheese is a classic American dish, right? But adding cream cheese? That's next level. This version gives you a taste of soul food comfort in about 35 minutes.

It is super easy and will serve about 6 people.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Homemade Mac and Cheese Creamy

Imagine this: a bowl of gourmet mac and cheese , so creamy it's like velvet. This recipe adds a richness that will make you want to ditch the blue box for good.

It is perfect for a chilly evening or a cheeky Sunday lunch. Plus, it packs a decent amount of protein, about 30g per serving.

Let's Talk Ingredients for This Baked Macncheese Recipe

Here's what you need. For the pasta, grab a pound of elbow macaroni. For the cheese sauce, you need butter, flour, milk, cream cheese (the star of the show), salt, pepper, garlic powder, cheddar, and Gruyere.

Gruyere cheese is optional, but trust me, it adds a touch of class. For the topping, you can use Panko bread crumbs and melted butter.

It is really a Baked Mac And Cheese Video come to life, ain't it?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Right then, fancy making the best mac and cheese ever? Of course, you do! This creamy mac and cheese recipe is simpler than you think. Here's everything you need.

Main Ingredients

We need a few essentials. Honestly, quality matters!

Pasta: 1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni. Don't overcook it!
Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted.
Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose. This helps thicken the sauce.
Milk: 3 cups (710ml) whole milk. Use full fat for the creamiest mac and cheese .
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (227g) softened! Really important. Don't skip this! This cream cheese mac and cheese recipe will take to the next level.
Salt: 1 teaspoon.
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon.
Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups (400g) shredded sharp cheddar. This is your cheese! Pre-shredded is handy, but freshly grated melts better.
Gruyere Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) shredded (optional).

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs!

Seasoning is key, innit? It transforms easy mac and cheese with cream into something special.

Essential spice combinations: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are your base.
Flavor enhancers and aromatics: A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth.
Quick substitution options: Onion powder can replace garlic powder. Use white pepper if you don't have black.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. You likely have this already.

Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Large saucepan or Dutch oven: This is where the magic happens with our velvety mac and cheese recipe!.
Whisk: Say no to lumpy sauce.
Grater: For the cheese.
9x13 inch baking dish: For baking (optional).

I swear this recipe is a game changer, I have a friend that used to cook this for their bake sales to fundraise money to go travel around europe!

Are you ready to make some homemade mac and cheese creamy ? I know I am! I am sure this baked macncheese recipe will blow your mind.

Creamy Dreamy: Making the Best Mac And Cheese

Alright, buttercup, fancy making some seriously good mac and cheese with cream ? Forget what you think you know because this Creamy Mac And Cheese recipe is a game changer.

Trust me, this will be the best mac and cheese you’ve ever made. Honestly, it's like a warm hug from your grandma…if your grandma was a Michelin star chef.

Prep Steps: Ready, Steady, Cook!

First things first, mise en place is key. Get everything measured out and ready to go. This saves time and stops you from flapping about later like a headless chicken.

Chop the cheese, measure the milk, and soften that cream cheese. Speaking of cream cheese, make sure it's actually soft.

No one wants lumps.

step-by-step: Let's Get Saucy

Ready to become a mac and cheese maestro?

Cook macaroni: Boil 1 pound of macaroni until al dente .
Make roux: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour, cook for 1- 2 minutes .
Create sauce: Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk and simmer for 5 minutes .
Incorporate cream cheese: Remove from heat, stir in 8 ounces cream cheese until smooth.
Add cheese: Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, 4 cups cheddar, and 1/2 cup Gruyere.
Combine: Mix macaroni and sauce.
Bake (Optional): Pour into a baking dish.
Add Topping (Optional): Sprinkle Panko and butter on the Baked Macncheese Recipe .

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

Don't overcook the pasta ! Al dente is the goal. I've made that mistake way too many times. Also, grate your own cheese.

Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well. It's a right pain, honestly. If you are making an easy mac and cheese with cream , don't forget to season well.

And just like that, you've created something amazing!

Recipe Notes That'll Make You Say "Ta-Da!"

Right, so you're about to embark on this creamy mac and cheese adventure. Awesome! Honestly, this best mac and cheese is a belter.

But before you do, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to ensure total success. I've learned a few things along the way, you know?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Fancy schmancy, eh? Alright, for a simple plating trick, serve this velvety mac and cheese recipe in individual ramekins. It looks dead posh.

A sprinkle of paprika adds a pop of colour. On the side? A crisp green salad. The acidity cuts through the richness.

As for drinks? A cold beer works wonders.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive

Leftovers? Lucky you! Just bung the easy mac and cheese with cream in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, a splash of milk helps to restore that creamy goodness. Don't fancy eating it straight away? I would recommend freezing it, but you've been warned.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Fancy a bit of a kick? A pinch of cayenne pepper transforms this mac and cheese recipe soul food into a spicy sensation.

Veggie? Stir in some steamed broccoli or peas. Job's a good'un. You could even swap out the cheddar. Monterey Jack works a treat for a milder flavour.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff (Sort Of)

Okay, let's be real. This gourmet mac and cheese is not exactly a health food, is it? But hey, everything in moderation.

A serving clocks in at around 650 calories. It's got a fair whack of protein and carbs. This homemade mac and cheese creamy dish will definitely satisfy.

So there you have it. All my tips and tricks for the perfect mac and cheese with cream . Now go forth and create some cheesy magic. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My mac and cheese with cream is grainy. What did I do wrong?

A grainy sauce usually means the cheese didn't melt smoothly. The key is to use freshly grated cheese (pre-shredded often has anti caking agents) and to not overheat the sauce. Make sure your heat is low when melting the cheese and stir constantly.

Adding the cream cheese at the end, off the heat, also helps ensure a silky smooth texture no one wants a gritty mac attack!

Can I make this mac and cheese with cream ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the mac and cheese, but undercook the pasta slightly. Then, transfer it to a baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, add a splash of milk if it looks dry.

You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, but a bit of planning ahead means you can get your bake on, after a lie in!

What are some good variations for this Cream Cheese Mac & Cheese recipe?

Feeling adventurous? Loads of things! Stir in cooked bacon or crumbled sausage for a meaty twist. Roast some veggies like broccoli or butternut squash for a healthier, more colorful version.

You could even add a kick with some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce it's your mac and cheese masterpiece, so get creative, you da Vinci of dinner!

How do I store leftover mac and cheese with cream? And how long will it last?

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out and microwave or bake until heated through. Leftover mac and cheese is the gift that keeps on giving, so don't let it go to waste!

Is this Cream Cheese Mac & Cheese recipe healthy?

Let's be honest, mac and cheese with cream is a treat, not a health food. It's rich in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. However, you can make it slightly healthier by using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cream cheese and milk, and adding vegetables. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Remember, a little indulgence never hurt anyone... mostly.

What kind of cheese works best besides cheddar in this mac and cheese with cream?

While cheddar is the classic choice, other cheeses can add exciting flavors! Gruyere adds a nutty, sophisticated note, while Monterey Jack creates an extra creamy texture. Gouda brings a smoky depth, and even a bit of Parmesan can add a salty, savory kick.

Experiment and find your perfect cheese blend - the possibilities are endless, innit!