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Creamy Ultimate Mac and Cheese Bar Easy Tasty Toppings Guide

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A creamy, comforting mac and cheese recipe featuring a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, enriched with cream cheese and cottage cheese for a silky texture. Perfect for gatherings with a DIY toppings bar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni (about 340 grams)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
  • 3 cups whole milk (720 ml)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115 grams)
  • 1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese (120 grams), optional but recommended
  • 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces / 225 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 ounces / 115 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Toppings (optional): crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions or chives, toasted breadcrumbs, steamed broccoli florets, caramelized onions, jalapeño slices, fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), shredded Par…

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in 1/4 cup (30 grams) of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and smells slightly nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) of whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. If too thick, whisk in a splash more milk.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 4 ounces (115 grams) softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup (120 grams) small-curd cottage cheese until smooth. Add 2 cups (225 grams) shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup (115 grams) shredded Monterey Jack, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce is silky.
  5. Fold the cooked pasta gently into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Transfer the creamy mac and cheese into a large serving dish or keep warm in a slow cooker. Arrange toppings in small bowls around it for customization.

Notes

[‘Use room temperature cream cheese and cottage cheese for better blending.’, ‘Cook the roux long enough to remove raw flour taste and prevent clumps.’, ‘Melt cheese on low heat to avoid separation.’, ‘Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.’, ‘Add salt and seasonings gradually, tasting as you go.’, ‘Boil pasta while prepping toppings to save time.’, ‘Keep sauce warm on low heat or in a slow cooker to prevent thickening.’, ‘If sauce looks grainy, whisk off heat and add a splash of milk to smooth it out.’, ‘For gluten-free, substitute flour and pasta accordingly.’, ‘For dairy-free, use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.’]

Nutrition

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