Skillet Mac & Cheese: Rich, Creamy, and Perfectly Seasoned Comfort Food
Indulge in the creamiest, most flavorful skillet mac and cheese with smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, and a hint of Cajun seasoning. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings!
Get ready to dive into the creamiest, most indulgent skillet mac and cheese! This recipe takes classic comfort food up a notch with a blend of five cheeses and a hint of spices that elevate the flavors to gourmet status. Using a mix of cheeses for the sauce ensures every bite is velvety smooth, while the baked top layer adds a satisfying crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this skillet mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of cheeses adds depth and richness, while spices like smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning add warmth and complexity. Plus, the easy-to-follow steps make this a recipe anyone can master!
Ingredients and What They Do
1 Box Elbow Noodles: The classic choice for mac and cheese, these noodles have nooks and crannies that hold onto the creamy cheese sauce.
1 Stick Salted Butter: Adds richness to the dish and forms the base of the roux (a flour and fat mixture that thickens the sauce).
3 Tbsp Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy.
3 Cups Heavy Cream: Essential for a thick, rich sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated): Adds a slight nuttiness and a sharper flavor, balancing out the creaminess.
½ Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated): The classic choice for mac and cheese with a strong, bold flavor.
½ Cup Monterey Jack Cheese (grated): Known for its meltability, it adds a smooth, creamy texture.
½ Cup Mozzarella Cheese (grated): Creates that perfect stretchy cheese pull, adding to the dish's gooey texture.
½ Cup Smoked Gouda Cheese (grated): Adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
1 Tbsp Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread: Adds a subtle onion flavor that complements the smokiness of the Gouda.
1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and depth to the flavor.
1 tsp Cajun Seasoning: Adds a bit of heat and zest, making the dish flavorful without overwhelming the cheese.
1 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor and pairs well with the other seasonings.
1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice to balance the richness of the cheese.
1 tsp Adobo Seasoning: A unique addition that adds a subtle savory note and elevates the flavor profile.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow noodles and cook for 8 minutes until just tender. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring often to avoid burning.
Add the flour and whisk continuously until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to blend. Let it heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
Add the Cheeses:
Add grated Parmesan, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and smoked Gouda to the skillet, leaving some of each aside for topping.
Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Mix in the chive and onion cream cheese spread until fully incorporated.
Season the Sauce:
Add smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and Adobo seasoning to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
Combine and Bake:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, stirring until each noodle is coated in the cheese sauce.
If your skillet is oven-safe, top the mac and cheese with the reserved cheese. If not, transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce set.
Tips for Success
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
Choose an Oven-Safe Skillet: If possible, cook and bake in the same skillet for easy cleanup. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, a baking dish will work perfectly.
Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. For a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning.
Let it Cool Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the sauce set, so it clings to the noodles perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Mac & Cheese
This skillet mac and cheese is more than just a dish—it’s a cozy, creamy experience that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for entertaining or treating your family to something special on a weeknight. The hint of Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika adds a slight warmth and depth, making this dish both comforting and elevated.
Skillet Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 Box Elbow Noodles
- 1 Stick Salted Butter
- 3 Tbsp Flour
- 3 Cups Heavy Cream
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- ½ Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- ½ Cup Monterey Jack Cheese (grated)
- ½ Cup Mozzarella Cheese (grated)
- ½ Cup Smoked Gouda Cheese (grated)
- 1 Tbsp Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Adobo Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow noodles and cook for 8 minutes until just tender. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring often to avoid burning.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to blend. Let it heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Add the Cheeses: Add grated Parmesan, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and smoked Gouda to the skillet, leaving some of each aside for topping.
- Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Mix in the chive and onion cream cheese spread until fully incorporated.
- Season the Sauce: Add smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and Adobo seasoning to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Combine and Bake: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, stirring until each noodle is coated in the cheese sauce.
- If your skillet is oven-safe, top the mac and cheese with the reserved cheese. If not, transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce set.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Choose an Oven-Safe Skillet: If possible, cook and bake in the same skillet for easy cleanup. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, a baking dish will work perfectly.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. For a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning.
- Let it Cool Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the sauce set, so it clings to the noodles perfectly.
Craving this cheesy goodness? Save this recipe for your next family gathering or cozy night in! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turns out or any special twists you add! Enjoy every gooey, savory bite!
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