Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
• 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded; can use extra sharp or Monterey Jack)
• 12 oz Evaporated Milk (full‑fat canned evaporated milk)
• 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened; plus extra 1 Tbsp for greasing dish)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 0.25 tsp Onion Powder (ground onion powder)
• 0.25 tsp Paprika (regular sweet paprika)
• 1 lb Elbow Macaroni (cooked al dente, drained)
• 4 slices American Cheese (shredded; optional for extra melt on top)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   Shred the sharp cheddar and American cheese, soften the cream cheese at room temperature, and measure all seasonings and butter.

   Time: PT5M

2. Cook Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni and cook 10‑12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

   Time: PT12M

3. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 450°F

4. Melt Butter

   In the same large pot, melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter over low‑medium heat.

   Time: PT2M

5. Add Dry Seasonings

   Stir in the salt, onion powder, and paprika; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

   Time: PT1M

6. Incorporate Cream Cheese

   Add the softened cream cheese, breaking it up with the whisk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

   Time: PT3M

7. Add Evaporated Milk

   Pour in the evaporated milk while whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring it does not boil vigorously.

   Time: PT3M

8. Melt Cheddar (and American) Cheese

   Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar (and optional shredded American cheese) until completely melted and the sauce is glossy.

   Time: PT3M

9. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Turn off the heat and add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.

   Time: PT2M

10. Prepare Baking Dish and Transfer

    Butter the 9x13‑inch baking dish, then pour the mac and cheese into it. Sprinkle any remaining shredded cheese over the top.

    Time: PT2M

11. Bake Until Golden

    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the top cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 450°F

12. Rest and Serve

    Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

500

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

2 g