Description
Indulge in this creamy, cheesy mac and cheese bowl featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni smothered in a velvety three-cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish can be customized with your favorite toppings for a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup toasted breadcrumbs
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for 1-2 minutes less than package directions indicate. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the roux – Begin by placing a spacious, heavy-bottomed pot over moderate heat and allowing the butter to completely liquefy. Sprinkle in the flour and use a whisk to blend vigorously without stopping for approximately 60-120 seconds, creating that essential base mixture known as a roux.
- Create the sauce base – Slowly incorporate the milk and heavy cream in a steady stream, maintaining continuous whisking motion to ensure a perfectly smooth consistency without any unwanted clumps forming. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cheese – Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted before adding more. This gradual method ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season the sauce – Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating mustard powder, a touch of garlic powder, and a careful balance of salt and freshly ground pepper, whisking until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce – Fold the prepared elbow macaroni into your velvety cheese mixture, gently tossing everything together until each pasta piece is thoroughly enveloped in the rich, creamy sauce.
- Serve in bowls – Portion the finished mac and cheese into individual serving bowls and top with your choice of optional toppings for a customized meal experience.
Notes
- For the creamiest texture, always use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
- The mac and cheese will continue to thicken as it stands, so serve immediately for the best consistency.
- If sauce becomes too thick, thin with a small amount of warm milk.
- For a crunchy topping, broil bowls topped with breadcrumbs for 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Cooking pasta slightly underdone (al dente) ensures it won’t become mushy when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: mac and cheese bowl, macaroni and cheese, creamy pasta, cheese sauce, comfort food, homemade mac and cheese, easy dinner recipe, stovetop mac and cheese