Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese – Super Creamy & Cheesy! Southern Style Mac & Cheese

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while adding creaminess.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: colby cheese

Colby cheese is often less expensive and melts well.

monterey jack cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Provolone is a cost-effective melting cheese.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Margarine can be a less expensive fat substitute.

Boil water in a pot.

Season the boiling water with salt and chicken bouillon.

Add elbow pasta to the boiling water and stir to prevent sticking.

Cover and boil the pasta until al dente.

Grate mozzarella, yellow cheddar, pepper jack, white cheddar, and gouda cheese.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

Add 4 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and fry to remove the raw flour taste.

Pour in 3 cups of heavy whipping cream while stirring to avoid lumps.

Add one can of evaporated milk and continue stirring.

Season the mixture with smoked paprika, creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix in 1 tablespoon of mustard and 2 ounces of cream cheese.

Combine the grated cheeses in a bowl and add half to the cream mixture, stirring until smooth.

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine.

Layer the mac and cheese in a baking dish, adding cheese between layers.

Sprinkle paprika on top for color.

Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Plate the baked mac and cheese and prepare for a taste test.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens