decadent mac and cheese made with heavy cream

Name: Decadent Mac and Cheese Made With Heavy Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound(s) macaroni; 2 pound(s) cheddar cheese, shredded; divided; 3/4 stick(s) butter (6 Tbsp); 2 cup(s) heavy cream (1 pint); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon(s) salt; 1 teaspoon(s) pepper; 1/2 cup(s) (or so) Panko bread crumbs, optional; ## OTHER OPTIONS; different shapes of pasta; different kinds of shredded cheese; cooked veggies added before baking

12 Pinches 10 Photos

Fran Miller

Parkersburg, WV

Updated on Jun 30, 2025

This is an older recipe once found in a long-forgotten church recipe book before my time. It uses a lot of farm staples, and dried pasta was cheap and popular during the Depression and World War 2, so I’m guessing it’s from that time or shortly afterwards. This recipe uses two pounds of sharp cheddar, and freshly shredded cheese IS better, but do what you want in your own kitchen. Mix up the cheeses, too, and make a new family favorite. I like the crunch of the Panko crumbs, so that’s my personal twist. What will yours be? The prep time includes heating the water and cooking the pasta.

Rate

prep time 20 Min

cook time 30 Min

method Bake

yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

1 pound macaroni
2 pounds cheddar cheese, shredded; divided
3/4 stick butter (6 Tbsp)
2 cups heavy cream (1 pint)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup (or so) Panko bread crumbs, optional
OTHER OPTIONS
different shapes of pasta
different kinds of shredded cheese
cooked veggies added before baking

How To Make decadent mac and cheese made with heavy cream

Step 1

Put pasta water on to boil, according to package directions. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 3 qt. baking dish (or 13 x 9” pan) OR mist with cooking spray. Shred the cheese, then divide into 1 1/2 pounds and 1/2 pound piles.

Step 2

Once the pasta is cooking, start the sauce. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 40 seconds, or in a saucepan. Whisk to cool a bit. Add the heavy cream, eggs, salt, and pepper, then whisk again to combine until smooth.
Step 3

Once the pasta is al dente to your preference, drain and run under cool water. Stir well from the bottom of the colander to remove excess water.
Step 4

Return the pasta to the pasta pan and stir in the cream sauce.
Step 5

Now start adding and stirring in 1 1/2 pounds (ONLY!) of the shredded cheese.
Step 6

Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish and even it out. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 pound of shredded cheese over the top.
Step 7

Add Panko crumbs, if desired.
Step 8

Bake about 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything looks hot. Remove from heat and cool 15 minutes before serving. Or, if you want the top layer browned more, turn on the broiler, and crack open the oven so you can watch. DO NOT LEAVE. The top will be perfect in 1-3 minutes, depending on your broiler.
Step 9

Remove and cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy as the entrée or a side dish. =^..^=
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