Description
This Upgraded Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe takes the classic comfort dish to a new level with a luscious cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère, enhanced by flavorful additions like Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rich with the savory goodness of bacon bits, sautéed spinach, and caramelized onions, it’s a creamy, indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, rotini, shells)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Cheeses
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
Mix-ins
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits
- ½ cup sautéed spinach
- ¼ cup caramelized onions
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, typically 7 to 9 minutes according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the whole milk or half-and-half, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, combining the ingredients well.
- Melt in the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, forming a creamy cheese sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat every piece evenly. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt or more pepper if necessary.
- Add optional mix-ins: Stir in the cooked bacon bits, sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, and hot sauce for an upgraded flavor profile. Serve the mac and cheese hot immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use whole milk or half-and-half for a richer, creamier cheese sauce.
- Sharp cheddar and Gruyère complement each other beautifully, but Monterey Jack can be substituted for a milder flavor.
- Cook the bacon beforehand until crisp, and sauté the spinach until just wilted to preserve texture.
- Caramelized onions add a subtle sweetness; prepare in advance or use store-bought if short on time.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount or omit depending on your spice preference.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, Gruyère mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, bacon mac and cheese, spinach mac and cheese
