This creamy mac and cheese is quick and easy to prepare and is sure to be a hit amongst mac and cheese lovers everywhere. This delicious comfort food recipe only uses 4 ingredients and is so creamy you won’t even believe it until you actually make it.
Mac and cheese has been a staple side dish in our family – and in most families – for as long as I can remember. My grandmother made homemade mac and cheese all the time, and my mother made it, too. When I grew up and moved out into the great big world, I made mac and cheese all the time for myself, and I continued to make it even more often when I got married and had kids. It’s such an easy, delicious side, and everyone always loves it. It just makes the perfect addition to any meal. Even now that my kids are grown and have moved out, I still make mac and cheese quite frequently. It’s a great side for dinner and for subsequent dinners because it makes so much.
Creamy Mac and Cheese
One of my favorite mac and cheese recipes is the one I’m sharing with you today. It only uses 4 ingredients, and two of them might surprise you. This delicious, cheesy mac and cheese combines classic elbow macaroni with Velveeta cheese, white gravy mix, and peppered gravy mix. That’s right, you read it correctly. White and peppered gravy mixes are two of the main ingredients in this recipe. At first, you might think that’s a bit odd, but really stop and think about it. White gravy mix is so rich, as is pepper gravy mix. They combine to make a super creamy base that’s full of flavor and has just the right amount of kick to it. And when you add the Velveeta, you end up with an ultra-creamy, super cheesy mac and cheese that’s everything we love about this classic side and then some!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- It only takes 4 ingredients to make, and it’s so easy!
- It’s one of the creamiest mac and cheese recipes you’ll ever make.
- It features 2 surprising but delicious ingredients.
- It’s a budget-friendly meal that everyone always loves.
Creamy Mac and Cheese Tips and Variations
Tips
- Always melt your cheese and gravy mixture on low heat to prevent scorching.
- Never cook your pasta past al dente. You want pasta that has a nice, firm texture.
Variations
- Try adding crumbled bacon to this recipe.
- This mac and cheese is made with white and pepper gravy, so breakfast sausage is a great addition.
- Go old school with sliced hot dogs.
What to Serve with Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is such a great side because it’s both delicious and versatile. It literally goes with almost anything you can think of. You can serve with almost any of your favorite meals. Some of my personal favorites include:
- Meatloaf
- BBQ pulled chicken, beef, or pork
- BBQ ribs, brisket, chicken, and more.
- Grilled chicken or pork
- Fried chicken
- Fried pork chops
- Turkey, ham, and other holiday favorites
- Sloppy Joes
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this recipe, then read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about this creamy mac and cheese.
What’s the best pasta for mac and cheese?
Elbow macaroni is the standard, but any short noodle that has enough texture to hold the sauce will work well.
What are good melting cheeses for mac and cheese?
The most melty cheeses for mac and cheese include:
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Gruyere
- Brie
- Smoked gouda
- Monterey Jack
- Fontina
Why type of cheese melts easily?
Some great cheeses that melt easily include:
- Colby
- Havarti
- Swiss
- Fontina
- Monterey Jack
- Muenster
- Provolone
- Smoked gouda
How long will homemade mac and cheese last in the fridge?
Homemade mac and cheese will last in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze homemade mac and cheese?
Yes! It freezes very well and will last for up to 6 months.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Mac and Cheese
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
To reheat mac and cheese, add the mac and cheese along with 1 tablespoon of milk per cup of mac and cheese to a baking dish. Mix to incorporate as much of the milk as possible, then cover and bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Creamy Mac and Cheese Ingredients
It only takes 4 ingredients to make this delicious mac and cheese, and you can find them all easily at your local grocery store.
- Pioneer® brand peppered gravy mix
- Pioneer® white gravy mix
- Velveeta cheese, cut into squares
- Elbow macaroni noodles
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
Making this recipe is an incredibly simple affair. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time.
Step 1: Make the Gravy
Combine the gravy packets in a large saucepan and make them according to the package directions.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Add the Velveeta cheese to the gravy mix and stir over low heat until the cheese is completely melted.
Step 3: Make the Mac and Cheese
In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, and return it to the pot. Then, add the cheese sauce to the noodles, stir, and serve.
Try This Deliciously Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe Today
These super easy, super creamy mac and cheese is incredibly simple to make, and it always wows everyone who eats it. The use of gravy mixes adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess that you won’t find in other mac and cheese recipes, and the flavor profile makes it perfect with almost any of your favorite main dishes. Give this one a try, but be ready to make it again and again. Everyone is going to want more and more of it! Our friend, Brynn, shared this delicious recipe with us and I seriously could not believe how creamy and scrumptious it was so I had to share it with you. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
More Delicious Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Smoked Mac and Cheese – This delicious mac and cheese can be made on the smoker or in the oven. Loaded with 5 types of cheese and pasta that cradles the creamy cheese sauce, makes the ultimate classic side dish.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese – This creamy copycat Panera mac and cheese recipe is a delicious twist on a classic favorite and tastes just like Panera’s broccoli cheddar mac and cheese that you can now make at home.
One Pot Mac and Cheese – This creamy one pot macaroni and cheese is a quick and easy macaroni and cheese recipe the whole family will enjoy.
And, here’s a Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe from Deliciously Seasoned you’ll enjoy too.
Creamy Mac and Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese is so good and only uses 4-ingredients. It’s so creamy and a new family favorite way to make macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
- (2) 2.75 ounce packets Pioneer® brand peppered gravy mix
- 2.75 ounce packet Pioneer® white gravy mix
- 32 ounce Velveeta cheese cut into squares
- 24 ounce elbow macaroni
Instructions
-
Using a large saucepan, make gravy packets according to package directions.
-
Add Velveeta cheese into gravy and stir over low heat until cheese is completely melted.
-
In a large pot, bring water to a boil, over medium high heat, and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pan.
-
Pour cheese sauce over noodles, stir to combine and serve.
Notes
Nutritional values are approximate.
Please note that these values can change with different brands and any modifications made to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements.
Recipe from my friend, Brynn
Nutrition
Calories: 463kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 27gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 1562mgPotassium: 465mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gCalcium: 535mgIron: 1mg
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