This indulgent mac and cheese is loaded with rich cheeses and creamy goodness for a decadent, calorie-packed meal that serves as the ultimate comfort food.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35-40 minutes | Yield: 4 servings

“After a long day, your stomach is practically growling as you step into the kitchen, drawn by the irresistible smell of something rich, creamy, and decadent. Waiting for you is the ultimate comfort: a heaping dish of macaroni and cheese, the cheese still bubbling and golden, clinging to every noodle. The scent alone is enough to make your mouth water as you pull up a chair, ready to dive in. You know this is no ordinary meal—this is the kind of indulgence that’ll leave you groaning in pleasure and completely stuffed, but you can’t resist. You’ve been waiting for this all day.

As soon as the first spoonful hits your lips, you can feel the richness coat your tongue. It’s thick, velvety, with layers of melted cheese and cream mingling together in perfect harmony. You don’t hold back, taking big bites as the creamy sauce drips off the fork, each one heavier than the last. The pleasure of eating overtakes everything else, and you settle into the meal, bite after bite, the sensation of fullness creeping in with every mouthful.

But you can’t stop now. No, not when it tastes this good. You feel your belly stretch, the comforting pressure building as you continue, yet it only makes you want more. That warm, gooey cheese melts in your mouth, and you can’t help but shovel more in, knowing you're filling yourself to the brim. The buttery, cheesy pasta keeps disappearing, even as your body starts to protest, even as your stomach groans under the weight of all that food.

Several minutes in, and your belly is tight, pressing against your waistband, but the urge to keep going drives you. Bite after bite, spoonful after spoonful, you push past any hint of being full. Each forkful brings you closer to the edge, and the pleasure of it all keeps you locked in, utterly focused on finishing every last bit. By the time you scrape the plate clean, you’re so full you can barely move, sinking back into your seat with a satisfied sigh. The pressure in your belly is overwhelming, but it’s exactly what you craved. Completely stuffed, completely satisfied, and not a single regret. This is the kind of indulgence that leaves you aching, but it’s worth every bite.”

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
4 cups heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
2 tbsp melted butter (optional for topping)

Directions

Boil the macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
Optional Topping:
If you like a crispy top, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Customize the Cheese and Pasta: Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices! Mixing and matching cheeses like creamy gouda, sharp cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack can elevate the flavor profile. Additionally, while elbow macaroni is traditional, consider using pasta shapes like shells or rigatoni that can hold onto the rich, cheesy sauce even better.

Add-Ins and Toppings: Consider adding cooked bacon, ground beef, or even lobster meat for a luxurious touch. You can also enhance the crunch factor by piling on more panko breadcrumbs, fried onions, or crushed potato chips before baking, creating a crispy topping.

Make Ahead and Store: This mac and cheese can easily be prepared in advance. Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, a perfect option for meal prep or entertaining. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy consistency and enjoy it again.

Indulgent Pairings: Consider serving this rich mac and cheese alongside decadent dishes like buffalo chicken, BBQ ribs, garlic bread…or a salad if you’re into that sorta thing.