Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Joanna Gaines–style Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese is the definition of cozy comfort food. This version is exceptionally creamy, rich, and indulgent, relying on a blend of cheeses and a smooth, velvety sauce enhanced by cream cheese. It is simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for gatherings. The texture is what truly sets it apart: the cream cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, giving the macaroni a luxurious coating without feeling overly heavy. I have also experimented with this recipe using almond milk for the sauce base, and to my surprise, it still turned out wonderfully smooth—slightly lighter but still satisfying. Whether served alongside a main dish or as the star of the table, this mac and cheese delivers consistent comfort, crowd-pleasing flavor, and dependable results. Once you try it, it may very well become your go-to macaroni recipe for all seasons.
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Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese: A Velvety, Homestyle Favorite
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese is a rich, ultra-creamy baked macaroni dish featuring a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. It’s comforting, indulgent, and perfect as a holiday side, potluck favorite, or weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk and heavy cream while whisking until smooth.
- Add cream cheese and whisk until melted and creamy.
- Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dry mustard. Continue stirring until the sauce is fully melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish and top with additional shredded cheddar.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add an additional 2 oz of cream cheese.
- Top with buttery breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; add 10 extra minutes to bake time.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Macaroni
Classic elbow macaroni holds the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is generously coated.
Butter
Melted butter forms the roux base and adds richness that complements the cheeses.
Flour
A spoonful of flour thickens the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety consistency.
Milk
Warm milk is essential for the béchamel base. I have tried almond milk in this recipe, and it produced a slightly lighter but still creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese lends this dish its signature lush, silky texture and subtle tang.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese delivers bold, classic mac and cheese flavor.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Mild Monterey Jack melts beautifully, enhancing the creaminess of the sauce.
Salt and Pepper
A simple blend of salt and pepper balances the richness and sharpens the overall flavor.
Paprika
A touch of paprika adds gentle warmth and color to the finished dish.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Allow it to cook for a minute or two until slightly golden.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Add the cream cheese, whisking until fully melted and incorporated. Stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth and velvety. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly so that every piece is coated. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the edges are bubbling. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving, letting the sauce settle into a perfectly creamy finish.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 6 servings. Preparation requires roughly 15 minutes, with 20–25 minutes of baking time and a brief 5-minute resting period before serving.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Microwave reheating works but may slightly alter texture.
Variations and Customizations
Four-Cheese Mac
Add Gruyère or Parmesan for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Spicy Mac and Cheese
Mix in diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or pepper jack cheese.
Herb-Infused Version
Stir in fresh thyme, parsley, or chives for added brightness.
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Fold in crispy bacon pieces before baking for a smoky, savory twist.
Creamier Stovetop Style
Skip the baking step and serve immediately for an ultra-saucy result.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour in the roux.
Dairy-Free Inspired
Use almond milk, dairy-free cheeses, and vegan cream cheese alternatives.
Crispy Topping Variation
Top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking for a golden crust.
Veggie-Loaded Mac
Stir in steamed broccoli or cauliflower for added color and nutrition.
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Add a drizzle of truffle oil to elevate the dish with gourmet flair.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
Why did my sauce turn grainy?
Overheating the cheese can cause separation; melt on low heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Can I freeze mac and cheese?
It is possible, though the sauce may lose some creaminess.
What pasta shapes work best?
Elbows, shells, or cavatappi hold the sauce exceptionally well.
Can I skip baking?
Absolutely; serve it straight from the stovetop for maximum creaminess.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Add extra sauce or cover the dish while baking.
Can I substitute cream cheese?
Mascarpone works, though it offers a milder tang.
Is almond milk a good alternative?
Yes, I have used it successfully with only slight texture changes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly.
Conclusion
Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese delivers a perfect mix of homestyle comfort and luxurious creaminess. Its simple preparation, rich flavor, and reliable texture make it a dish you can confidently serve for weeknights, gatherings, or holiday meals. With plenty of ways to customize it, this recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite in any home kitchen.
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