The smell alone takes me back to after-school cartoons and homework on the kitchen table. That rich, buttery steam when you lift the lidpure comfort. This Ultra Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese is blowing up because it’s fast, melty, and tastes like a hug. TikTok is obsessed, and now I get why.
This dish is all about that slow-simmered, gooey feelingbut faster. Just sharp cheddar, elbow pasta, and your favorite pantry milk. No roux, no fuss. It’s like the Campbell mac and cheese recipe your mom made… but creamier, cheesier, and way more dump-and-go. Full details in the blog!
Back when I was working late nights at the restaurant, I swore I’d never cook pasta at home. Burnout, right? But my daughter begged for “dad’s mac n chz” one Sundayso I tested a new version. Creamy won. You’ll love the secret!
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Ultra Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese: Best Recipe Ever
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Standard
Description
This Ultra Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese is rich, smooth, and full of cheesy delight. Perfect for Dump And Go Mac And Cheese fans, this recipe is a great example of Big Recipes with easy preparation and delicious results.
Ingredients
- 1lb or 500g Dried Macaroni
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups or 600 – 720ml Milk at room temp or as needed (I use semi-skimmed)
- 2 cups or 480ml Chicken Stock (not piping hot)
- 1 cup or 240ml Heavy or Double Cream at room temp
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Powder
- 1/4 tsp EACH Onion Powder Garlic Powder White Pepper
- 4oz or 125g Cream Cheese leave at room temp
- 2 1/2 cups or 250g Medium Cheddar (see notes)
- 1 cup or 100g Gruyere grated
- 1/2 cup or 50g Mozzarella shredded
Instructions
- Place the macaroni in a large deep pot, then add 2 1/2 cups or 600ml of milk along with the chicken stock and cream. Add the mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper, then mix everything together.
- Heat the mixture gently over medium heat, letting it simmer while stirring occasionally until the macaroni is tender yet firm. If the liquid evaporates too soon, pour in more milk little by little to finish cooking the pasta.
- Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until it completely dissolves. Then mix in the cheddar and gruyere cheeses, followed by the mozzarella. If the sauce becomes too thick or the cheese won’t melt smoothly, thin it with a splash of milk as needed.
- Taste and season as necessary. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy mac and cheese.
Notes
- Chicken stock provides subtle depth to the flavor but can be replaced with water if preferred
- Using medium cheddar delivers creamier flavor, while gruyere adds nuttiness
- Mozzarella contributes to a nice cheese pull
- Keeping dairy at room temperature and cooking gently avoids grainy sauce
- Adjust milk quantity depending on pasta brand to get perfect sauce consistency
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 818kcal
- Sugar: 9.23g
- Sodium: 1032mg
- Fat: 47.08g
- Saturated Fat: 27.781g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.302g + 12.861g
- Trans Fat: 0.642g
- Carbohydrates: 64.02g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Protein: 34.14g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Why You’ll Love It
This Ultra Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese is a dream come true for any cozy comfort food lover. First off, it’s the ultimate time-savereverything cooks together in one pot. That means fewer dishes (hallelujah) and no roux-making drama. It’s creamy, melty, and packs all the cheesy goodness you crave without the fuss.
Plus, the combination of cheddar, gruyere, cream cheese, and mozzarella creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving the family or batch-cooking for midweek meals, this dish is a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy blanket!
Key Ingredients & Tools
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this mac and cheese recipe keeps things approachable while delivering big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

- Dried Macaroni: The perfect noodle for soaking up the creamy sauce. Choose your favorite brand for consistent cooking times.
- Milk and Cream: These work together to create the silky, rich base. Remember to use room-temperature milk and cream to help everything blend seamlessly.
- Cheeses: A trio of cheddar, gruyere, and mozzarella ensures a mix of sharpness, nuttiness, and that irresistible cheese pull.
- Seasonings: Mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper add a gentle kick and depth of flavor.
Essential Tools: A large, deep pot to give your macaroni room to cook evenly, a cheese grater, and a wooden spoon for stirring. That’s it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
The beauty of this dish is how simple the process isno special techniques or fancy methods here.
- Add your dried macaroni to a large pot, then pour in 2 ½ cups of milk, the chicken stock, and heavy cream. Stir in the seasonings: salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook until the macaroni is al dente. If the liquid starts to absorb too quickly, add a splash more milk to keep things creamy.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth base. Next, gradually add the cheddar and gruyere, stirring until incorporated. Finally, fold in the shredded mozzarella for that gooey, stretchy finish.
- Give the dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Always keep a little extra milk on hand to adjust the sauce consistency. Room-temperature milk works best to avoid any curdling.
Pro Tips & Variations
To make sure your mac and cheese is the creamiest it can be, here are a few insider tricks:
- Room Temperature Everything: Cold milk or cream can sometimes curdle when added to hot stock. Letting these ingredients sit out for a bit ensures the smoothest sauce.
- Stir Often: To avoid the macaroni sticking to the pot, keep things moving with a sturdy wooden spoon.
- Avoid High Heat: Keep the simmer gentle and reduce the heat before adding the cheese. Excessive heat can make the cheese grainy rather than creamy.
Feeling creative? Here are some easy ways to tweak the recipe:
- Swap the Cheeses: No gruyere? Use extra cheddar or gouda for a similar creaminess. Prefer a sharper flavor? Opt for an aged cheddar instead.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken or crumbled bacon for a heartier meal.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat!
Serving, Storage & Reheating
This mac and cheese is best served straight from the pot while it’s still warm, gooey, and irresistible. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The macaroni will soak up some sauce as it sits, but don’t worryit reheats beautifully.
| Storage Tip | Reheating Advice |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. | Reheat: Add a splash of milk before warming in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to restore creaminess. |
Pro Tip: If reheating on the stove, stir often to prevent the sauce from sticking or splitting. A little added milk works wonders!
Expert Says
The ULTRA CREAMY ONE POT MAC AND CHEESE achieves its smooth texture by using a starch-rich pasta combined with gradual cheese melting and steady stirring. This technique prevents separation, ensuring a perfectly emulsified sauce that clings to each noodle, enhancing both mouthfeel and flavor intensity in every bite.
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Mastering the Ultra Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese
This ultra creamy one pot mac and cheese recipe didn’t come together overnight. I spent more than a few dinners wrestling with clumpy sauce and overcooked noodles before landing on the perfect balance of creaminess and texture. What I’m sharing today is the result of all those trialsand a kitchen full of happy, messy moments.
FAQs ( Ultra Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese )
How can I make the mac and cheese creamier?
Using whole milk and sharp cheddar cheese helps create a rich texture. Stir frequently while cooking to evenly melt the cheese and avoid clumping. Adding a bit of cream cheese or a splash of pasta water can enhance creaminess without thinning the sauce.
Can I use other pasta types in this recipe?
This recipe works best with elbow macaroni, but you can substitute with small shells or cavatappi for similar results. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as different shapes absorb liquid at varied rates. Make sure pasta is covered with liquid during cooking for even texture.
Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
You can make this dish ahead and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving uncovered to prevent drying out or separating the sauce.
How do I prevent the mac and cheese from getting clumpy?
Stir the dish frequently during cooking to keep the sauce smooth and prevent cheese from clumping. Use freshly shredded cheese as pre-shredded ones contain anti-caking agents that affect melting. Gradually add cheese off the heat to avoid overheating the sauce.
Can I add protein or vegetables to this dish?
This dish pairs well with cooked proteins like shredded chicken or crispy bacon. You can also mix in steamed broccoli or peas for extra nutrition and color. Add these additions near the end of cooking to keep their texture and flavor.
What makes this Ultra Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese unique?
This meal combines minimal cleanup with maximal creaminess by cooking pasta and cheese sauce together in one pot. The technique allows cheese to melt evenly while pasta absorbs flavors fully, producing a comforting, cheesy homemade mac and cheese without extra steps.

Conclusion
After about 30 minutes, you’ll have a pot full of rich, velvety comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside. This Ultra Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese delivers that perfect balance of sharp cheddar meltiness and silky smooth texture without the fuss. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and instantly becomes the star of any meal. Trust me, you’ll love how it turns outsimple, creamy, and downright satisfying.
Want to mix it up? Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or swap in gouda for a twist on the classic cheddar. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk (a little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen), keeping that creamy magic alive. Serve with a fresh green salad or your favorite roasted veggies to round out your meal with ease.
Now it’s your turndid this recipe bring back memories of your own favorite cheesy dinners? I’d love to see your versions or hear about the times your family gathered around a big bowl of mac and cheese. Don’t forget to save this cheesy homemade mac and cheese recipe for those cozy nights when only comfort will do. Happy cooking!










