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Mac and cheese with cream cheese prepared in casserole dish

Creamy Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese

Samantha Erb
Use cream cheese to get that extra cheesy and creamy texture in this easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe!
4.63 from 45 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Optional Bake Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 8 -10 servings
Calories 530 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper freshly grated
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 12 ounces white cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until tender. Drain, rinse, and set pot aside.
  • In a large saucepan set over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan until bubbling. Add in the flour and whisk for 2 to 3 minutes, until combined and golden brown. 
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Whisk in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Add the cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Repeat with the grated cheeses, adding them 1 cup at a time and whisking until smooth and thick, for 4 to 5 minutes. 
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. Serve immediately.
  • OPTIONAL: 
  • Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 13x9 casserole dish. 
  • In a small bowl, combine the panko crumbs and remaining butter, melted, then sprinkle over the top.
  • Bake in a 350 degree F oven until bubbly and golden brown, for 25 to 30 minutes. 
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 35 minutes.
  • Warm individual servings in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or butter to get it creamy again. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 530kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 22gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 592mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

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