There’s just something about the smell of bubbling cheese coming from the oven that takes me straight back to Sunday potlucks and grandma’s best dishes. This Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese has been trending on TikTok and Pinterest and for good reason. It’s warm, melty, soul-hugging… and easy enough for a weeknight. No complicated roux neededjust real cheese comfort in under 40 minutes.
This is one of those timeless cozy dishes that calls for simple ingredients you probably already have on handelbow pasta, cream cheese, sharp cheddar. Rich enough for a holiday, but easy enough for a Tuesday. Think your favorite boxed mac, but upgraded. Get the full scoop below in the blog!
I started making this nostalgic dish after craving the baked mac we used to whip up during chilly nightsthose golden, crispy cheese corners were always the best. I’ve now tested this version three times (all in the name of flavor science!). There’s a little trick in the sauce that makes it unbelievably creamy. You’re seriously going to love it.
Why You’ll Love This Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese
This recipe instantly brings those comfort food vibes. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your rotation:
Extra creamy texture: A luscious blend of milk, heavy cream, and melty cheeses creates the dreamiest, richest sauce.
Simple pantry staples: Nothing fancy neededjust the basics like pasta, butter, flour, and cheese.
Family-friendly and versatile: Delicious solo or paired with proteins like baked chicken, BBQ, or veggies.
Quick and convenient: Ready in under 30 minutesperfect for weeknights with minimal cleanup.
What You’ll Need (Simple, Everyday Ingredients)
Here’s your simple grocery listyou may already have these in your fridge and pantry!
Ingredient
Amount
Notes
Macaroni noodles
3 cups (dry)
Shells or cavatappi work great too for a fun twist on texture.
Butter
5 tbsp
Use unsalted and season accordingly, or go salted for ease.
All-purpose flour
4 tbsp
Essential for thickening the cheese sauceforms the roux.
Milk
2.5 cups
2% works well, but whole milk will add extra creaminess.
Heavy cream
1.5 cups
It gives the sauce a velvety, rich feel that’s unbeatable.
Adds a subtle zing and brightens the cheese flavor.
Garlic + onion powder
1/2 tsp each
Gives savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Smoked paprika
Pinch
Optional, but adds a smoky flavor boost and richness.
Salt + pepper
To taste
Season gradually for the perfect balance.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese
Follow these easy stepsthis recipe is totally beginner-friendly and hard to mess up!
Boil the noodles: Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (check the package timing). Drain well and lightly toss with a dab of butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook while stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden (not browned).
Build the sauce: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened and smooth.
Melt the cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheeses and spices. Mix until completely smooth and creamy with no clumps remaining.
Combine: Gently fold in the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat every piece. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
That’s it! Creamy perfection in a bowlready to enjoy.
Helpful Tip: Timing Breakdown
Step
Estimated Time
Boil pasta
8–10 minutes
Make roux and sauce
10–12 minutes
Mix everything
2–3 minutes
Total
20–25 minutes
Troubleshooting & Tweaks
Make it perfect every time with these pro tips:
Too thick or too thin? Add a splash of warm milk to loosen the sauce; simmer gently to thicken before adding cheese if it’s too runny.
Lumpy consistency? Whisk vigorously when adding liquids to the roux. Use room temp milk and cream for better blending.
Love tangy flavors? Swap sharp cheddar for sharp white cheddar or add a spoonful of sour cream.
Pro Tip: Want a golden topping? Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until crisp.
Serving and Storing Tips
This mac is best served hot and fresh, but you can enjoy it as leftovers with just a little love:
Storage Method
Duration
Reheating Tip
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Add a splash of milk and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often.
Freezer
Up to 1 month
Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Reheat with milk on the stove for best results.
Note: Avoid high heat in microwave, which can make the cheese sauce separatelow and slow on the stove is best for creamy revival.
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese
Getting that irresistible creaminess depends on emulsifying the cheese into the béchamel saucethis means low heat, gradual mixing, and no boiling once cheese is added. Cream cheese helps stabilize the texture, while the starch from pasta water (you can reserve a splash!) can help maintain body without making it gritty. It’s all about temperature control and cheese variety!
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The Long Road to Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese
After countless experimentsburnt pots, broken sauces, and watery disastersI finally nailed this Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese. It took years of comfort food cravings, real family meals, and memory-lane moments to perfect the balance. And trust meit was worth every bite.
FAQs ( Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese )
Conclusion
This Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers ultimate comfort. The rich, melty sauce hugs every noodle, offering everything we love about homemade maceasy, cozy, and joyfully cheesy.
Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, or crispy bacon bits for a playful twist. This recipe is a blank canvas of cheesy potential. Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat like a dream with a touch of milk stirred in. These cozy bowls are proof that simple ingredients, when handled right, become something spectacular.
I’d love to see how you personalize itsnap a pic of your family’s favorite version or drop your nostalgic mac moments in the comments. Trusted, loved, and passed from one cozy kitchen to anotherthis is the mac you’ll want again and again.
Olivia Farnsworth
Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese: Perfect Comfort Food
This Extra Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese is the best creaminess you can find in a mac n cheese. Made with sharp cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, plus a rich cream cheese-like sauce, this Mac Cheese With Cream Cheese delivers ultimate comfort food in every bite. Enjoy a smooth, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Boil the macaroni noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes until light golden.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking frequently until thickened and simmering.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce and stir until noodles are glossy and well coated.
Serve immediately and enjoy your extra creamy and cheesy mac and cheese!
Notes
Reheating in the microwave may reduce creaminess. For best results, reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to maintain a smooth, creamy texture. This recipe serves 4-6 or more as a side dish.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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