Mac and cheese

Name: Creamy-Dreamy-Mac-and-Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Kid-Friendly
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons Butter; 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour; 4 cups Milk; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; pinch (optional) Nutmeg; 4 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 pound Elbow macaroni, cooked; 1/2 cup Bread crumbs

creamy dreamy mac and cheese

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

31 Mar 2025

This recipe is my go-to comfort food—pure, unadulterated cheesy deliciousness. I’ve tweaked it over the years, incorporating lessons learned from various mac and cheese aficionados (and a few epic fails!). The result? A creamy, dreamy, incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together with friends. Seriously, my friend Mike once said, "It's so good I'd sell my soul for a second helping." I'm not sure I'd go that far, but it's pretty darn amazing!

This mac and cheese recipe is all about simplicity and bold flavor. We're using quality ingredients to let the natural taste shine. I always use freshly grated cheese – I find that it melts much better and gives a smoother texture than pre-shredded cheese. Plus, it's less prone to becoming gummy or stringy. Trust me on this one.

Required Equipments

9x13 inch baking dish
large saucepan
whisk
measuring cups and spoons
oven

Creamy Dreamy Mac and Cheese: Frequently Asked Questions

Creamy Dreamy Mac and Cheese

This incredibly creamy mac and cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Simple ingredients and easy steps result in a dish so good, it'll change your life (or at least your dinner plans).

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal later. Don't skip it!
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. This is what thickens the cheese sauce, so don't rush this part!
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk. Keep whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. It'll start to thicken nicely, and you'll see a noticeable difference in texture.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional). The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, but feel free to omit it if you prefer.
Add 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. It might seem like a lot of cheese, but trust me, it's worth it! You might need to stir constantly to avoid any burnt cheese at the bottom.
Stir in 1 pound of cooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in the cheese sauce. If you have any extra sauce left, you can add it to make it creamier!
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of bread crumbs. If you want some extra browning, you can drizzle 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the top after bread crumbs.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary. You'll know it's ready when you have that delicious golden-brown color!
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and less messy. Okay, who's ready for a cheesy bowl of deliciousness?

📝 Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder along with the salt and pepper.
If the cheese sauce seems too thick, add a little more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Feel free to customize the bread crumbs. Panko bread crumbs create a crispier topping, while regular bread crumbs give a softer texture. You can also add some herbs to the breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost.