Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​ Recipe

If you have a soft spot for creamy, dreamy comfort food, then you absolutely must try Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​. This dish elevates the classic mac and cheese with the irresistible addition of cream cheese, giving it a luscious, velvety texture and rich flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of the meal, this recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect creamy texture and deep cheesy flavor. Using quality dairy and the right pasta shape ensures every bite is beautifully cheesy and satisfying.

• 1 pound dried pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or penne): Choose a shape that holds sauce well for maximum cheesiness.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and forms the base for the creamy roux.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency without any clumps.
• 5 cups milk (warmed, whole or 2%): Warm milk helps the sauce come together smoothly and keep its creamy texture.
• 1 pound white cheddar cheese (shredded): The star cheese with sharp, tangy flavor for that classic mac and cheese taste.
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened, optional but recommended): Adds an extra dimension of creaminess and richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping everything balanced.
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the cheese perfectly.

How to Make Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​

Step 1: Cook the pasta just right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta and let it cook for one minute less than the package instructions suggest. This is key because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce and soak up all that wonderful cheesy goodness, so you want it just shy of fully tender. After draining, set the pasta aside to be combined later with the sauce.

Step 2: Make the roux base

Melt the butter gently over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously. This mixture will transform into a thick paste, known as a roux, which is the secret to a luxuriously creamy sauce. Cook this for about 1 to 2 minutes until it smells delightfully toasted and turns a light golden brown—this nutty aroma sets the stage for your sauce.

Step 3: Gradually add warmed milk

To avoid lumps and ensure smoothness, pour your warm milk in three separate additions, whisking after each pour until the mixture thickens and becomes velvety. This patient process creates a luscious béchamel, the creamy heart of your mac and cheese, ready to carry all the cheesy flavor.

Step 4: Let the sauce thicken to perfection

Continue whisking as the sauce gently simmers—it will turn creamy and coat the back of a spoon. This silky texture is exactly what you want so your pasta doesn’t just swim in liquid but is enveloped in a beautifully rich cheese sauce.

Step 5: Blend in cream cheese and cheddar

Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s mostly melted, bringing an extra smooth, tangy dimension to your sauce. Then add the shredded white cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more. This layering method ensures your sauce is perfectly smooth and full of that luscious cheesy punch.

Step 6: Season and combine

Sprinkle in the sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, tasting to adjust seasoning to your liking. Remember, the cheese is naturally salty, so add slowly. Once seasoned, gently fold in the cooked pasta. Don’t worry if the sauce looks a little too saucy now—the pasta will absorb the extra creaminess as it rests.

Step 7: Rest and final stir before serving

Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors mingle and the sauce thicken as the pasta soaks it up. Give it one last stir before dishing out the irresistible Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​ to your eager guests.

How to Serve Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​

Garnishes

To add a little extra flair and texture, sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs, freshly chopped parsley, or a pinch of smoked paprika on top right before serving. This creates a beautiful contrast to the creamy base and brings vibrant color and crunch to every bite.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, roasted vegetables that add savory depth, or even some smoky grilled chicken to turn it into a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, bake the mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs until golden and bubbly. You can also turn leftovers into crispy mac and cheese balls, perfect for sharing as a nostalgic snack or appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your mac and cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent prep-ahead comfort food option.

Freezing

You can freeze Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​ by placing it in a freezer-safe container. For best texture, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain that creamy, melty goodness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce needs loosening up. Stir often to restore that signature creamy texture without drying out or scorching.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​?

Absolutely! While white cheddar gives that classic tang, feel free to experiment with Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend to find your perfect cheesy combo. Just remember to choose melting cheeses for the best texture.

Is cream cheese essential in this recipe?

Cream cheese is optional but highly recommended because it adds incredible creaminess and a slight tang that sets this mac and cheese apart. You can skip it if needed, but expect a slightly less rich sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to maintain the sauce’s thickness. Just follow the same steps and enjoy without worry.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Elbow macaroni, shells, or penne are ideal because their shapes and curves trap the cheesy sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is indulgent and satisfying.

Can I add mix-ins like bacon or vegetables?

Definitely! Crispy bacon, steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions all pair excellently with this mac and cheese. Just stir them in after the cheese sauce is ready for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese​ that transcends your typical comfort dish. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for cozy nights or as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I urge you to give this recipe a try—once you do, it’ll become your go-to for satisfying cheesy comfort every time.

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