easy mac n cheese recipe with cream cheese

This will make your cheese sauce gritty and the cheese sauce won’t be smooth. This is a must! Pre-shredded cheese will NOT melt the same way as freshly grated or shredded cheese because store bought pre-shredded cheese has an anti-caking agent that prevents the cheese from sticking together when packaged. The mac and cheese should be creamy, smooth, and cooked through. Stir in the cheeses and cream cheese continuously until all the cheese has melted. Most of the liquid will absorb into the pasta.ĪDD CHEESES. Stir and let the pasta cook for 12-18 minutes or until al dente (cooked but firm to the bite). Add the pasta, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Continue to whisk together until thickened and smooth.ĬOOK PASTA. Add flour and whisk together until thickened, about 1 minute.ĪDD WATER & MILK. Heat a large pot on medium heat and melt butter.

Add crushed red peppers or paprika if you want to add spice.Īll-purpose flour: used as a thickening agent. Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper (optional). Alternatively, you could use plain non-fat Greek yogurt instead. Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love using extra sharp cheddar cheese because it has the most flavor but you can also use your favorite cheeses (see my suggestions below for the best cheese options and alternatives).Ĭream cheese: adds a richness in flavor and enhances the creaminess. Reduced fat or low fat milk can also be used.

Milk: whole milk has the most flavor and will add richness. The two cheeses make a great combination but you can use any of your favorite cheeses (see my other cheeses to use below). If you want to make this recipe glute-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.Ĭheese: I love using the combination of a good sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Elbow Macaroni: you can also use shells, macaroni, or any other type of short pasta.

Easy mac n cheese recipe with cream cheese