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Bowl of creamy mac and cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh parsley

Creamy Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich blend of cheeses and a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this easy mac and cheese recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the best baked mac and cheese with gouda and cream cheese for an indulgent twist!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni noodles (Barilla brand)
  • 2½ cups whole milk (warmed)
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk (warmed)
  • 1 ounce (¼ cup) shredded gouda
  • 3 ounces (¾ cup) shredded Gruyere
  • 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded Jarlsberg cheese
  • 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded white or sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 3 ounces American or Velveeta cheese (I like the queso Velveeta)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Dash of cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ cup butter (cubed)
  • Panko (optional, for topping)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F and spray a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick spray.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni just until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
  • In the same pot, stir together the warmed milks, 6 ounces of shredded cheddar, the remaining cheeses, salt, black pepper, mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne. Mix until fully combined.
  • Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish, ensuring the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese on top and dot with cubed butter.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  • Optional: For extra crunch, mix Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan and sprinkle on top after removing the foil.
  • Let the creamy mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cools slightly.

Notes

Pro Tip: Always shred your cheese fresh! Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how they melt.