Nothing beats the comfort of a perfectly creamy bowl of macaroni and cheese. While boxed versions offer convenience, making Mueller macaroni and cheese from scratch elevates this classic dish to restaurant-quality status. This recipe combines the reliable texture of Mueller’s pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that will have your family asking for seconds.
Mueller’s pasta has been a trusted kitchen staple since 1867, known for its consistent cooking quality and ability to hold sauces beautifully. When paired with the right combination of cheeses and techniques, it creates the perfect foundation for homemade mac and cheese that rivals any upscale comfort food restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pasta:
- 1 pound of Mueller’s elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
For the cheese sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For the topping (optional):
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add Mueller’s elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until just shy of al dente. The pasta will continue cooking when mixed with the cheese sauce, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness.
Drain the pasta in a colander, but don’t rinse it. The starch on the pasta helps the cheese sauce adhere better.
Create the Perfect Cheese Sauce
Start your cheese sauce by melting butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce without any floury taste.
Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking while whisking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheeses. This prevents the proteins from seizing and creating a grainy texture. Stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and cream cheese until completely melted and smooth.
Season the sauce with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked Mueller’s macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently until every piece is coated. The pasta should be creamy but not swimming in sauce.
For stovetop serving, transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately while hot.
Baked Version for Extra Indulgence
To create a baked version with a golden, crispy top, preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Pro Tips for Mac and Cheese Success
Choose quality cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Control the heat: Keep your heat at medium or lower when making the cheese sauce. High heat can cause the proteins to separate, resulting in a grainy sauce.
Save some pasta water: Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining. If your mac and cheese seems too thick, add small amounts of water to reach your desired consistency.
Room temperature ingredients: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before adding it to prevent lumps in your sauce.
Ready to Dig In
This Mueller macaroni and cheese recipe transforms simple ingredients into comfort food perfection. The combination of three cheeses creates depth of flavor while maintaining that stretchy, creamy texture everyone craves. Whether you serve it straight from the stovetop or bake it with a crunchy topping, this homemade version will become your go-to recipe for family dinners, potluck gatherings, and cozy nights at home.
