Description
Creamy, buttery, and soul-satisfying, this Buttery Mac and Cheese is made for comfort food lovers. Featuring a smooth blend of cheddar and American cheeses, rich cream, and a luscious butter base, it’s the perfect side or main that’s both nostalgic and elevated.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped American cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in milk and heavy cream, warming gently without boiling.
4. Reduce heat to low and add cheeses in batches, stirring until smooth and melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika if desired.
6. Add drained pasta back into the pot and fold into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
7. Serve immediately while hot. Top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs if preferred.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture—pre-shredded tends to clump.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to revive the original creaminess.
Want a baked version? Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish or Side
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 110mg