Kimmy's Kreations Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Kimmy's Kreations-Inspired Mac and Cheese
Nothing says comfort food quite like a bubbling dish of homemade baked macaroni and cheese. Inspired by the rich Southern-style recipes popularized by Kimmy's Kreations, this version combines perfectly cooked pasta with an incredibly creamy cheese sauce made from scratch using sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, butter, milk, and heavy cream. Every bite is silky, cheesy, and finished with a beautifully golden baked crust.
Unlike boxed macaroni, this homemade recipe develops layers of flavor from a classic roux-based cheese sauce that stays smooth and creamy even after baking. A blend of multiple cheeses provides both meltability and bold flavor, while a touch of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika enhances the richness without overpowering the cheese. Whether you're serving it for Sunday dinner, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a backyard barbecue, this baked mac and cheese is guaranteed to disappear first.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- ½ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook while stirring until the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Season the Sauce
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and half of the Parmesan until completely melted and silky smooth.
6. Combine
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold until every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
7. Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and optional panko breadcrumbs over the top. Drizzle with melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
8. Serve
Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving warm.
Expert Tips
Always shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Slightly undercook the pasta because it continues cooking in the oven. Add the cheese gradually over low heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. Let the baked mac and cheese rest briefly before serving so the sauce thickens slightly while remaining creamy.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern-style mac and cheese pairs perfectly with fried chicken, barbecue ribs, smoked brisket, pulled pork, baked ham, roasted turkey, meatloaf, grilled steak, barbecue chicken, collard greens, cornbread, green beans, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. It's an ideal side dish for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, family reunions, and potluck gatherings.
Recipe Variations
Add crispy bacon, smoked sausage, shredded barbecue chicken, lobster, crab, or pulled pork for a heartier meal. Mix in jalapeños for a spicy kick, roasted broccoli for extra vegetables, or caramelized onions for sweetness. Swap Gruyère, Gouda, Fontina, or Pepper Jack into the cheese blend for unique flavor combinations. Finish with crushed buttery crackers instead of breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
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