As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of melted cheese wafted through the air, instantly transporting me back to cozy family gatherings around the table. The star of today’s culinary adventure? Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese With Cream Cheese—a dish that is pure comfort food at its finest. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a velvety texture that’s irresistible, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend indulgence. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also easily customizable with your favorite pasta shapes. Who wouldn’t want a creamy bowl of mac and cheese that pleases both kids and adults alike? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and see how we can elevate your mac and cheese game! Why is Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese a Must-Try? Creamy, Delicious Flavor: The combination of white cheddar and cream cheese creates a smooth, rich taste that elevates traditional mac and cheese to gourmet status. Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without the fuss. Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or mix in your favorite add-ins like cooked bacon or vegetables such as spinach for a nutritious twist. Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish guarantees satisfied smiles all around—perfect alongside a light salad or some garlic bread. Comfort Food Classic: This mac and cheese embodies the warmth of home-cooked meals and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Would you like to explore more comforting dishes, like Egg Cheese Toasts or Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole? Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese Ingredients For the Pasta Dried Pasta – Choose your favorite shape like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne to create a delightful base for the cheese sauce. For the Cheese Sauce Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich flavor that forms the foundation of the creamy sauce. All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the cheese sauce to achieve that perfect velvety consistency. Milk – Use whole or 2% reduced fat milk to ensure a creamy texture in the sauce. White Cheddar Cheese – The star of the show, providing that tangy, cheesy flavor; feel free to substitute with other cheeses for an exciting twist. Cream Cheese – This optional ingredient significantly enhances the creaminess of the dish, making it extra indulgent. For Seasoning Sea Salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors; adjust to your personal taste preference. Black Pepper – A dash adds just the right amount of spice; using freshly ground pepper elevates the flavor even more. Now that you’re equipped with the ingredients for Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese, let’s get ready to turn those simple staples into a comforting bowl of creamy goodness! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese Step 1: Boil the Pasta Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your chosen dried pasta, such as elbow macaroni or shells, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which typically takes about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, giving it a quick rinse under cool water to prevent sticking. Step 2: Create the Roux In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until foamy, about 1-2 minutes. Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden color. This is your roux and will serve as the thickening base for the creamy cheese sauce in the Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese. Step 3: Whisk in the Milk Gradually whisk in warm milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently, which should take around 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of your spoon. Remove it from the heat and prepare to add the cheeses. Step 4: Add the Cheeses Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and cream cheese until they are fully melted and integrated into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes. The combination of these cheeses creates a luscious, velvety texture that is the hallmark of Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese. Stir until no lumps remain, and the sauce looks creamy and glorious. Step 5: Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce Carefully add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, using a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix them together. Ensure every piece of pasta is generously coated with the rich sauce. This fusion of creamy goodness will elevate your dish to the next level, making it an irresistible comfort food favorite. Step 6: Season and Serve Finally, season your mac and cheese with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve the Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese warm, and relish a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in! Make Ahead Options These Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese With Cream Cheese are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of combining the cheese sauce and pasta, then refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the cheese sauce gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture. Cook the pasta fresh right before serving and mix it in; this ensures that each bite is as delicious as when you first made it! How to Store and Freeze Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s well-sealed to keep the creamy texture intact. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy reference. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of milk to revive the creaminess of your Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese. Serving: Reheat gently to ensure it heats evenly and maintains its rich, creamy flavor, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first. Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese Variations Feel free to sprinkle your own magic into this comforting dish, creating twists that delight your taste buds and warm your heart! Dairy-Free: Swap out the milk and cheeses for almond or cashew milk and a dairy-free cheese blend for a creamy vegan delight. Pasta Shapes: Experiment with shapes like fusilli or penne for added flair; each twist and turn of pasta creates a unique eating experience. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for an exciting heat that elevates your Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese. Veggie Boost: Stir in fresh spinach or roasted broccoli to enhance nutrition while adding vibrant color and flavor that balance the creaminess. Gourmet Touch: Incorporate truffle oil or a sprinkle of parmesan on top for a touch of sophistication that will make your mac and cheese feel instantly gourmet. Bacon Lovers: Mix in crispy bacon bits for that perfect salty crunch, and pair it with a light salad or some garlic bread just like in our Egg Cheese Toasts! Cheese Variety: Experiment with a cheese blend, adding Gruyère or mozzarella for a flavor twist that adds extra melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Lazy Bake: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and bake until golden for that crispy topping—an indulgent finish that everyone will love! Each of these variations invites you to make this dish your own while maintaining the essence of the classic comfort that is Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese. What to Serve with Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese With Cream Cheese? Elevate your meal experience by pairing this creamy delight with complementary sides and beverages that enhance its rich flavors. Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, this classic accompaniment adds a crunchy texture that perfectly balances the creaminess of the mac and cheese. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons make this salad a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty mac, providing a burst of freshness with every bite. Roasted Broccoli: This slightly charred green vegetable offers a nutritious contrast and a subtle crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta. BBQ Pulled Pork: The smoky, savory flavors of pulled pork create a delicious contrast to the cheesy richness, making it a satisfying and savory combination. Apple Crisp: A sweet and warm dessert with a crunchy topping is the perfect way to round off your meal, providing a delightful contrast to the savory dish. Sparkling Lemonade: The light effervescence and zesty flavor of sparkling lemonade cleanse your palate, making each creamy bite of mac and cheese even more enjoyable. Indulge in these pairings to transform your meal into a memorable feast that is sure to impress! Tips for the Best Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese Cheese Quality Matters: Always use high-quality cheeses, especially fresh white cheddar. It significantly impacts the final flavor and creaminess of your mac and cheese. Measure Flour Carefully: Avoid lumps by measuring your all-purpose flour accurately. Too much flour can make the sauce gritty instead of silky. Warm Milk for Smoothness: Heating the milk slightly before adding it to the roux helps create a smoother cheese sauce, enhancing your Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese. Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Cook your pasta until al dente; this ensures it holds up well when mixed with the rich cheese sauce and prevents a mushy texture. Customize Wisely: Feel free to mix in ingredients like cooked bacon or vegetables, but balance out flavors to maintain the integrity of the creamy cheese sauce. Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese Recipe FAQs What type of pasta should I use for this recipe? Absolutely! You can use any dried pasta shape you like, such as elbow macaroni, shells, or penne. Each shape will hold the creamy cheese sauce differently, so feel free to experiment with your favorites. The key is to cook it al dente, ensuring it maintains its structure once mixed with the sauce. How long can I store leftovers of Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese? I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy those creamy leftovers anytime! Just make sure it’s well-sealed to keep that creamy texture as luscious as when you first made it. Can I freeze Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese? Yes! You can freeze it for up to 2 months in an airtight container. To do this, let it cool completely, then transfer it to the container and label it with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you maintain as much of that creamy goodness as possible! What should I do if the cheese sauce isn’t smooth? If your cheese sauce isn’t smooth, it may be due to lumps in the roux. Make sure to whisk the flour well in the butter before adding the milk. Another tip is to warm the milk slightly before adding it, which helps create a smoother consistency. If lumps form after adding the cheese, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender to achieve that silky perfection before combining it with the pasta. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? While this mac and cheese is rich and delicious, it’s important to check for any cheese allergies or lactose intolerance in your family or guests. You can substitute the dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk and vegan cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy a comforting bowl of Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese! Can I add extras to my mac and cheese? Absolutely! The more, the merrier! You can mix in cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or even spices like paprika for an extra kick. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning of your cheese sauce as needed to complement those delicious additions. Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese Bliss Try Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese for a creamy and delicious comfort food that's perfect for any family meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 ounces Dried Pasta Choose your favorite shape like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne.For the Cheese Sauce2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds a rich flavor.2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Helps thicken the cheese sauce.2 cups Milk Use whole or 2% reduced fat milk.2 cups White Cheddar Cheese The star cheese for tangy flavor.4 ounces Cream Cheese Optional for enhanced creaminess.For Seasoning1 teaspoon Sea Salt Adjust to taste.1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Use freshly ground for best flavor. Equipment large potColandersaucepanwhiskWooden spoon Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and rinse the pasta.In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.Gradually whisk in warm milk and simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.Stir in white cheddar and cream cheese until melted and smooth.Combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce and stir to coat.Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 18gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, use high-quality cheeses and warm milk for a smoother sauce. Customize with different pasta shapes or add-ins like bacon or vegetables as desired. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
