Description
This Upgraded Mac and Cheese is a creamy homemade mac & cheese that takes just 20 minutes to prepare. Loaded with sharp cheddar and Gruyère, it’s the best mac n cheese recipe for a rich, satisfying comfort food classic. Perfect for weeknights or indulgent cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits
- ½ cup sautéed spinach
- ¼ cup caramelized onions
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the milk or half-and-half, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, stirring to combine and warm gently.
- Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the cooked macaroni back into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Add salt to taste and any optional add-ins like bacon bits, sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or hot sauce.
- Serve immediately for a creamy and flavorful mac and cheese experience.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite add-ins such as bacon, spinach, or onions for extra flavor and texture
- This stovetop method is quick and avoids the need for baking or making a roux
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg