Sunday Creamy Mac and Cheese

Name: Sunday Creamy Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 4 cups water; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Whenever I whip up my Sunday Creamy Mac and Cheese, it feels like a warm embrace. This dish is a delightful amalgamation of gooey cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and a hint of spice that brings comfort on any day of the week. Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or a solo indulgence, each creamy bite tells a story of home and nostalgia. The best part? I ensure every ingredient shines through, creating a meal that’s not just filling but also unforgettable.

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:01:16.607Z

Preparing my Sunday Creamy Mac and Cheese is a ritual I treasure. I start by boiling the pasta just until it's al dente, which ensures a slightly firm texture that holds up perfectly under the cheesy sauce. The real star here is the combination of cheddar and Gruyère, which creates a rich, complex flavor that elevates this comfort food classic. I also love adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an unexpected warmth.

One of my favorite tips is to bake it briefly after mixing in the cheese sauce. This not only melds the flavors but also gives a beautiful golden crust on top. Each spoonful is a blend of creamy, cheesy goodness, making it a surefire way to gather family and friends around the table.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent creaminess that warms the soul
A perfect blend of cheeses for rich flavor
Simple ingredients come together for maximum satisfaction

      

Perfecting the Cheese Sauce

Achieving the ideal cheese sauce is all about technique. Make sure to cook the flour enough to eliminate the raw taste—about one minute after adding it to the melted butter should suffice. The key is to whisk constantly as you slowly add the milk; this helps prevent lumps from forming. You'll know your sauce is ready when it thickens and clings to the back of a spoon. Keep an eye on it, as overcooking can lead to a grainy texture, while undercooking may leave you with a runny sauce.

Using a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the creamy texture. Sharp cheddar offers a bite that balances beautifully with the nuttiness of the Gruyère. If you're looking for a twist, try substituting half of the cheddar with Fontina or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Just remember to stick with cheeses that melt well to maintain that luscious consistency.

Tips for Cooking Pasta

The pasta is just as crucial to this dish as the cheese sauce. Start with a large pot to allow the elbow macaroni enough room to move freely; this helps prevent clumping. Adding salt to the boiling water not only enhances the flavor of the pasta but also helps it cook evenly. For best results, cook the macaroni to al dente. This texture will hold up beautifully when mixed with the cheese sauce and during baking, preventing it from becoming mushy.

To save time and ensure perfect pasta, consider preparing the macaroni in advance. You can cook it the day before, then store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to toss it with a little olive oil to help prevent sticking. When you're ready to bake your mac and cheese, simply incorporate the cold pasta into your cheese sauce mixture, and it will heat through in the oven.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this Sunday Creamy Mac and Cheese is delightful on its own, you can elevate it further with some simple serving ideas. Top your baked mac and cheese with crispy breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor. A few sprigs of fresh parsley or chives can also brighten the dish visually and add a hint of freshness balanced against the richness.

Feel free to experiment with mix-ins to customize your dish. Adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even cooked bacon can bring unexpected depth. For a healthier twist, you could incorporate steamed broccoli or spinach right before baking. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value, making this comfort food a bit more wholesome.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy delight:

Pasta Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
4 cups water
1 tsp salt

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Now that you're all set with ingredients, let's get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for creamy perfection:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the milk. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted.

Combine and Season

Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring until everything is well coated.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy masterpiece!

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking. Feel free to include your favorite proteins or vegetables for a twist!

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore some of the creaminess lost in refrigeration. Warm it through in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or you can microwave it in intervals for about 2-3 minutes, stirring in between until heated thoroughly.

For longer storage, consider freezing the mac and cheese. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes, to ensure it's still creamy.

Scaling Up the Recipe

This mac and cheese recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. For a gathering, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. If you're making it for just one or two servings, you can halve the recipe, which works well for quick meals. Adjusting cooking times may not be necessary, but do keep an eye on the pasta and baking times to ensure the perfect texture.

When scaling the recipe, ensure that your pot for boiling pasta is large enough to accommodate the additional volume. Also, for the cheese sauce, you may want to use a wider saucepan; this helps achieve an even thickness and proper melting without burning the cheese.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works great; just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ How can I make it spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a kick.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What type of cheese works best?

While cheddar and Gruyère are perfect, feel free to mix in mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor.