The Best Mac and Cheese

Name: The Best Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large elbow macaroni; salt (to cook pasta); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 3 3/4 cup warm heavy cream; 3 tablespoons cream cheese (softened); 1 1/2 cup sharp cheddar (shredded); 1 cup Colby jack (shredded); 1/2 cup smoked gouda (shredded); 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper more to taste; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt (to taste); pinch of nutmeg; pinch of cayenne; 2 cups shredded cheese (of choice); optional: chopped parsley or chives and grated parmesan on top

Instructions

Prep:30minCook:45min

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and the best side on the dinner table! It’s so ooey and goeey on the inside and then perfectly golden and crispy on the outside – it’s the best of both worlds. This truly is the only Mac and Cheese recipe you'll ever need!

Updated at: Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:24:00 GMT