Company Mac and Cheese

By Addie

This is by far the creamiest, tastiest and most special macaroni and cheese I have ever tried. I'm not usually a fan of homemade macaroni and cheese, but when a friend served this, I had to have the recipe. Since it's so little fuss and well received, it's a terrific potluck dish. —Catherine Odgen, Middlegrove, New York

Ingredients

• 1 package (7 ounces) elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Preparation

Step 1

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes.

Reduce heat; add cheeses, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Drain macaroni; add to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.

Transfer to a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish. Melt the remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs and parsley. Sprinkle over macaroni. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 6-8 servings.
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REVIEWS:

This is not much different than a standard mac and cheese recipe. Inexpensive and filling for a weeknight for family but I certainly would not use as or title as a company dish. Mac and cheese means cheap to me.

I thought there was WAY too much cheese sauce for the amount of macaroni added, so I went ahead and cooked the rest of the noodles in the box (I used a 16 oz. box in total) and it was still plenty cheesy. Also thought the breadcrumbs were a little overpowering so I'll probably use half next time. Otherwise, delicious flavor!

It was pretty good, nice and creamy. Not very flavorful though. Next time I think I'll add a little more cheddar.

all I have to say is WOW! out of allllll the recipe's I have tried over the years, this was BY FAR the best, the easiest, and really not very expensive!!!!!!

I followed directions and it came out mealy and a bit dry. My husband liked the flavor but I think the texture ruined it for me.

This was some of the best mac and chesse we have eaten. It's creamy and tasty.

This is the recipe I use for mac and cheese. I couldn't find a recipe that was creamy without using process cheese. This recipe solves that problem by using cream cheese. I have used the lowfat version of cream cheese with good results in this recipe.

This Mac & Cheese was delicious. Even our kids liked it. It is a wonderful change from the same whole mac & cheese. The mustard added just enough flavor and the bread crumbs blended in so well with the dish. My kids ask for it regularly.