Description
Creamy mac and cheese recipe from TikTok takes comfort food to new heights with its irresistible blend of cheeses and crispy topping. Cheese enthusiasts will savor this indulgent dish that promises a delightful culinary experience you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (236 milliliters) shredded parmesan cheese
Pasta and Dairy:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup (236 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) unsalted butter
Seasonings and Thickener:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water for 7-8 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Heat a large pot over medium temperature, melt butter until it becomes frothy and golden.
- Sprinkle flour into melted butter, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, pale golden roux.
- Gradually stream milk and heavy cream into the roux, continuing to whisk until mixture becomes silky and thickens slightly.
- Introduce garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and incorporate shredded cheeses handful by handful, stirring continuously until sauce becomes glossy and completely melted.
- Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce, gently turning to ensure every pasta piece is luxuriously coated.
- Allow mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to reach optimal creamy consistency.
- Transfer to serving dish immediately while sauce remains warm and velvety.
Notes
- Customize the cheese blend by mixing different varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or gouda for a more complex flavor profile.
- Prevent sauce separation by using room temperature milk and removing the pot from heat before adding cheese to maintain smooth consistency.
- Add protein boost by mixing in crispy bacon bits, diced chicken, or vegetarian alternatives like roasted chickpeas for extra texture and nutrition.
- Control spice levels by adjusting smoked paprika or adding a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a subtle kick without overwhelming heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 660 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg