Joanna Gaines’ Dreamy Mac And Cheese Recipe For Families

Joanna Gaines’s mac and cheese whisks you into a world of culinary nostalgia with its soul-warming embrace.

This legendary comfort dish transcends mere sustenance, weaving family memories into every creamy forkful.

Silky cheese cascades over tender pasta, creating a symphonic blend that dances on taste buds.

Unexpected ingredients elevate this classic from simple side to dinner table superstar.

Generations have savored similar recipes, passing down love through each decadent bite.

Melted cheese promises a luxurious texture that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Get ready to fall head over heels for a mac and cheese recipe that will become your new mealtime legend.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 4

Joanna Gaines’ Mac and Cheese Ingredient List

• Macaroni: Choose elbow macaroni with ridges to capture more cheese sauce, select high-quality pasta for best texture.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control, opt for fresh creamy butter.

• All-Purpose Flour: Select fresh, finely ground flour without lumps for smooth sauce consistency.
• Whole Milk: Choose whole milk for rich, creamy texture, ensure freshness.
• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyère Cheese: Pick aged cheeses with robust flavors, grate fresh for optimal melting.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even seasoning, adjust according to cheese saltiness.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Select light, crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs for perfect golden crunch.
• Butter: Use melted butter to ensure even coating and golden browning.
• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green, fragrant parsley for optional garnish, chop finely.

Tools for Cooking Joanna Gaines’ Mac & Cheese

• Large pot: For boiling macaroni and creating base for pasta.
• Colander: To drain cooked pasta perfectly.
• Large saucepan: Ideal for making creamy cheese sauce.
• Mixing bowl: Used for preparing crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Whisk: Essential for creating smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring pasta and sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Ovenproof skillet or baking dish: Perfect for baking mac and cheese.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes.

Creamy Mac & Cheese Steps from Joanna Gaines

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling water, reducing cooking time by one minute for ideal texture. Drain and toss with butter until noodles glisten with a smooth coating.

• Whip Up Crunchy Topping

Blend panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a touch of salt, creating a crispy blend that will crown your cheesy masterpiece.

• Craft Velvety Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a silky roux. Gradually stream in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thick sauce. Remove from heat and fold in a medley of cheeses, seasoning to perfection.

• Layer And Prepare For Baking

Coat every pasta strand with the luscious cheese sauce, transferring the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture over the top, ensuring an even, golden-brown blanket.

• Bake To Crispy Perfection

Slide the mac and cheese into a preheated oven, baking until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and develops an irresistible crunch. Let cool briefly before serving, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.

Flavor Boost Tips for Joanna’s Mac and Cheese

Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda to create unique flavor profiles that make your mac and cheese extraordinary.

Mix in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, pulled chicken, or crispy pancetta to transform this classic comfort dish into a hearty main course that satisfies deeper hunger.

Fold in roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or caramelized onions to add nutritional value and unexpected texture that elevates the entire mac and cheese experience.

Sprinkle cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or hot sauce into the cheese sauce for an exciting kick that awakens taste buds and brings delightful warmth to every bite.

Serving Joanna’s Comforting Mac & Cheese

• Serve Alongside Comfort Sides: Pair this creamy mac and cheese with classic comfort foods like roasted broccoli, crispy green salad, or tangy coleslaw for a balanced meal.
• Create A Crowd-Pleasing Feast: Transform this dish into a hearty dinner by adding grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or pulled pork on top for extra protein and flavor excitement.
• Elevate With Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped chives, green onions, or fresh parsley to add a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor to the rich and creamy mac and cheese.
• Perfect Party Presentation: Serve directly in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style meal that encourages sharing and creates a warm, inviting dining experience.

Storage Advice for Mac and Cheese by Joanna

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The crispy topping might soften, but the flavor remains delicious.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes to help revive the crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make the entire dish in advance and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven and add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Comforting Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mac and cheese from Joanna Gaines combines creamy cheddar, parmesan, and monterey jack for a rich, comforting dish. Signature comfort creates warmth that brings families together at the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups freshly shredded gruyere cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups milk, warmed (low or full fat)
• 250 grams / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta)
• 4 tbsps (60 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp (15 grams) unsalted butter (or 2 tsps oil)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp mustard powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook macaroni until just shy of package instructions for perfect al dente texture. Drain completely and coat with melted butter, setting aside for later integration.
2. Topping Creation: Blend panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and salt until uniformly mixed, reserving for final dish assembly.
3. Cheese Sauce Development: Heat oven to 180°C. In a large saucepan, construct a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour for one minute. Gradually introduce milk, stirring continuously to eliminate potential lumps. Simmer sauce until achieving a silky, luxurious consistency. Remove from heat and incorporate cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan cheeses, seasoning to enhance flavor profile.
4. Assembly and Layering: Fold cheese sauce into prepared macaroni, ensuring comprehensive coating. Transfer mixture to an ovenproof vessel, spreading evenly. Meticulously distribute breadcrumb mixture across the surface, creating a uniform protective layer.
5. Baking and Presentation: Slide dish into preheated oven and bake until breadcrumbs transform into a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 25 minutes. Allow brief resting period before serving. Optional parsley garnish adds a fresh visual and flavor accent.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni slightly less than package instructions to maintain a delightful al dente texture that holds up beautifully in the cheesy sauce.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter carefully for exactly one minute to create a smooth base that prevents lumpy sauce and ensures silky cheese consistency.
• Cheese Selection: Use a blend of high-quality cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyère for maximum flavor complexity and creamy richness.
• Breadcrumb Brilliance: Toast panko breadcrumbs with butter to create an irresistibly crispy golden topping that adds delightful crunch to the creamy mac and cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg