Mac and cheese with cream cheese offers a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food. The addition of cream cheese elevates the dish with an unparalleled creamy texture, while a combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar adds rich, cheesy flavor. This dish can be served as a satisfying main course or as a decadent side for any gathering, making it a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling 1 pound of elbow macaroni in salted water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside. This step ensures your pasta has the right amount of bite and holds up well when mixed with the rich cheese sauce.
Prepare the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Whisk the mixture continuously to avoid lumps, and slowly add in 3 cups of milk to create a smooth and creamy base for your cheese sauce.
Make the Cheese Sauce
Enhance the flavor of the roux by adding 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Gradually melt in 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, followed by 2 cups of shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack and 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and mix it thoroughly with the cheese sauce until each piece of pasta is coated. For a perfect finish, pour the cheesy macaroni into a greased baking dish, making sure to distribute the sauce evenly throughout the dish.
Bake to Perfection
Top the macaroni with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta. Bake the dish in the oven at 350°F until the top is bubbly and golden brown, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that will delight everyone at the table.
