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–+ servings
ultra creamy homemade mac and cheese in a white bowl
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4.70 from 136 votes

The Best Creamy Mac and Cheese

This is the best homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese that you'll ever have! The favorite kids classic takes only 20 minutes and beats any boxed mac and cheese out there. Made with evaporated milk, cream cheese, and whole milk for the creamiest homemade mac and cheese you'll ever have.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: 30 minute dinner, kid-friendly
Servings: 12
Calories: 421kcal
Author: Kristina Tipps

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces elbow pasta
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups white cheddar cheese finely shredded
  • 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Bring large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter over medium heat in a large shallow pan until foamy. Add the paprika and flour and whisk until a paste forms, about 1 minute.
  • Add the whole milk, evaporated milk, and cream cheese. Whisk frequently, breaking up cream cheese with a wooden spoon. Cook until it bubbles, about 6 minutes.
  • Add the cheese 1 cup at a time, whisking constantly, until smooth, about 3 minutes total.
  • Season with salt and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes while whisking.
  • Add sauce to cooked pasta. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days (or the freezer for 6 months)

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 421kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 540mg | Potassium: 247mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 735IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 384mg | Iron: 1mg