Home > Recipes > Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Photo by: Taste of Home Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

“This is the ultimate mac-and-cheese,” declares Cindy Hartley of Chesapeake, Virginia. It's creamy, thick and very rich, and it holds the wonderful cheddar flavor. Cindy adds, “Once you taste it, you will be hooked.”

[X]

Rate Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Click on stars to rate

Would you make this recipe again?

Write a review

[X]

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 35 min.

Yield: 6 Servings

20 35 55

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
8 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Reduce heat; stir in the sour cream, process cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth and cheese is melted.
Drain macaroni; toss with cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Stir in cream sauce.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Yield: 6 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 cup) equals 653 calories, 46 g fat (30 g saturated fat), 143 mg cholesterol, 1,141 mg sodium, 35 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 25 g protein.

Originally published as Creamy Macaroni and Cheese in Simple & Delicious March/April 2007, p44

More recipes like this:

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Two secrets to Paula's creamy mac and cheese: sour cream and Cheddar soup.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Two secrets to Paula's creamy mac and cheese: sour cream and Cheddar soup.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese-Food/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Better Baked Beans 'n' Ham

Better Baked Beans 'n' Ham

Ellie's Baked Beans with Ham is a quick, hearty summer side or main dish.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Better-Baked-Beans-n-Ham/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Cheesy Chicken Rotini

Cheesy Chicken Rotini

Give dinner a burst of flavor (and color) with our vegetable-packed Cheesy Chicken Rotini.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Cheesy-Chicken-Rotini/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini

Give your eggplant parm recipe some flare!

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Eggplant-Rollatini/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Roasted Ratatouille Tart

Roasted Ratatouille Tart

Enjoy the French classic in this tasty, healthy tart.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Roasted-Ratatouille-Tart/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Venison Chimichangas

Venison Chimichangas

Venison makes a flavor addition to this chimichanga recipe.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Venison-Chimichangas/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Venison Quesadillas

Venison Quesadillas

Turn tender venison into tasty quesadillas with this quick recipe.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Venison-Quesadillas-recipe/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Venison - Oriental Steak

Venison - Oriental Steak

Here's a fun and exotic recipe for fresh venison.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Venison-Oriental-Steak/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Morel Polenta

Morel Polenta

Delicious morels take center stage in this creamy polenta recipe.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Morel-Polenta/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita

Enjoy a slice of Italy with this quick pizza recipe.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Pizza-Margherita/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Pork Nachos

Pork Nachos

Turn your leftover pork tacos into quick and easy nachos.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Pork-Nachos/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Cheesy Penne

Cheesy Penne

Claire's cheesy penne is a grownup version of macaroni and cheese.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Cheesy-Penne-Food-Network/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Roast Turkey

Roast Turkey

Ina shares her secrets to roasting a perfect holiday turkey.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/How-to-Make-Roast-Turkey/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Veggie Penne with Pesto

Veggie Penne with Pesto

This pasta is perfect for vegetarians and hearty enough for carnivores.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Veggie-Penne-with-Pesto-Food-Ne/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Baked Bean & Bacon Casserole

Baked Bean & Bacon Casserole

Baked beans combine with apples and bacon for a great side or main dish.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Baked-Bean-Bacon-Casserole/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Dogs & Taters

Dogs & Taters

Paula share recipes for some of her southern favorites.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Dogs-Taters/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Smoked Salmon Frittata

Smoked Salmon Frittata

For an easy breakfast dish, Ina Garten recommends a Smoked Salmon Frittata. It's full of flavor and is sure to fill up your hungry family.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Smoked-Salmon-Frittata-Food-Net/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Spinach and Bacon Quiche

Spinach and Bacon Quiche

Here is one recipe that is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Light and fluffy, this quiche blends spinach and bacon together for a delicious spring dish.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Spinach-and-Bacon-Quiche-Food-N/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Baked Bean & Bacon Casserole

Baked Bean & Bacon Casserole

Baked beans combine with apples and bacon for a great side or main dish.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Baked-Bean-Bacon-Casserole-Food/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese
Chicken in Red Curry Sauce

Chicken in Red Curry Sauce

Gear up for an easy weeknight meal with this Asian-inspired chicken dish.

http://videos.tasteofhome.com/video/Chicken-in-Red-Curry-Sauce-Food/player/cvp/?init_autoplay=0&layout=&referrer=http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese

Menus and More

Comfort Food Diet

Try the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Online FREE for 7 days! It's an easy-to-follow diet plan you can do while enjoying delicious dishes!

Learn More >

New! Taste of Home Recipe Box

Organize your recipes into folders, personalize with notes, and easily share with friends.

Learn More >

More Ways to get Taste of Home Recipes

Taste of Home
Claim a FREE ISSUE of Taste of Home, the world’s #1 coooking magazine and enjoy easy family favorites, contest winners and more!
Try a Free Issue >
The Ultimate Soup Cookbook
Get a FREE PREVIEW and enjoy 500+ home-style recipes and tips that offer comfort by the bowlful!
Get a Free Preview >
Light Desserts Newsletter
Indulgence no longer has to feel guilty. Go ahead, treat yourself! (Weekly)
Sign-up for Free Today! >
Taste of Home App
Taste of Home’s recipe app brings you thousands of delicious recipes right to your phone. Available for free on both iPhone and Android.
Download Free >

Reviews for Creamy Macaroni and Cheese (65)

Sort:

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Tell us what you think of this recipe.
Did you modify it? Would you make it again? Rate it today! >

Rate and Review this Recipe

Reviewed on Feb. 06, 2012 by nguyen101872

<p>Best Mac and Cheese as I've been searching for a long time. Only used 4 Tablespoons of fluor, 8 oz of Colby and Sharp cheese mixture instead of Velveeta, 8 cups of noodles and topped with some cheese and bread crumbs. Added bacon grease to leftovers extra sauce as a dip with chips...yummy!</p>

Reviewed on Feb. 03, 2012 by kayesandra

I have had this recipe for a couple of years & needed a meatless casserole so made it. I should have read the reviews!!! It had way too much sauce. My husband liked it and that is the only reason I would ever make it again. If there is a next time, I'll use twice as much macaroni and bake it in a 9x13 baking dish.

had way too much sauce

Reviewed on Nov. 27, 2011 by vikingsfanswife

I have made this dish to pass at Church carry-ins and most recently to my In-Laws for Thanksgiving dinner!!! Everyone who has tried this has loved it!! It is easy to make and the thick, creaminess can't be beat! I almost always have the ingredients for this on hand. This is hands down my family's favorite homemade mac n cheese!

Reviewed on Nov. 15, 2011 by imjcklein

Let me start by saying, I NEVER review recipes that I try. This one, I had to. I found this recipe about 4 months ago and made it, not holding out much hope that my kids would like it..they never like homemade mac and cheese. The family devoured this casserole. Then I lost the recipe and couldnt find it until yesterday, they devoured it again! Some changes did have to be made.

1. I used a whole box of bow ties and needed a little bit more, it was very saucy. I like it like that so it didnt bother me.

2. Yes, the sauce does get a little too thick, i just slowly added chicken broth to get to a good consistency for us.

3. GRATE your own cheese! It makes a world of difference in that grainy taste, plus its cheaper.

I can finally stop looking for a mac and cheese recipe, this will be the only one i ever make again. Thanks for a great recipe!

Reviewed on Oct. 25, 2011 by nicho538

We always use sharp cheddar, it's probably our fave cheese! My hubby and daughter request this at least once a week!! (They don't get it that often but would love it if they did!)

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2011 by Katielabonte

Best Mac and Cheese Ever!!! I only used about 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Makes alot of sauce. Very yummy!!!!!

Reviewed on Oct. 09, 2011 by tstreich

This wasn't bad, but I'd try other recipes before trying to tweak this one anymore. I followed suggestions to not have a pasty taste by decreasing the flour and increasing the milk, but it was still a bit too thick and pasty for my taste. I did increase the macaroni to almost double, so that made a difference, but there was an unbelievable amount of sauce. I'm sure if I'd have used 2 cups as stated, it still would have been pasty. So not terrible, but I'll try others.

Reviewed on Oct. 08, 2011 by dgharris573

This is the best mac and cheese recipe ever. However, I do use an entire pound of macaroni (elbow or shells), it's still very cheesy, make in 13x9x2 pan. I use lower fat cheese to help reduce a few calories. You can substitute mayonnaise for the sour cream if you don't have any on hand. My tip for making this is to measure all the ingredients ahead of time and have them all laid out on the counter ready to go. Yummy!