The BEST Mac & Cheese Recipe | Easy, Creamy and Delicious | Thanksgiving Side Dish Idea!

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt reduces calories while adding creaminess.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative that adds umami.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

Boil water in a large pot.

Add elbow-shaped pasta, chicken bouillon, and salt to boiling water.

Cover and cook until al dente.

Grate mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, and KBY Jack cheese.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan.

Add 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 30 seconds to remove raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in 2 and 1/2 cups of milk until lump-free.

Add heavy whipping cream, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard to the sauce.

Stir in sour cream and cream cheese until melted and creamy.

Add half of the grated cheese to the sauce and mix well.

Combine the cheese sauce with the drained pasta and mix thoroughly.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.

Sprinkle paprika on top for color.

Bake in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens