Copycat Noodles Company Wisconsin Mac Cheese Cozy Real Cheesy Comfort You Need Now
Enjoy this Copycat Noodles Company Wisconsin Mac Cheese recipe that delivers a creamy mac and cheese for an easy dinner. Perfect for weeknight dinner or family dinner, this stovetop mac and cheese is rich and comforting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Servings 6
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups half & half
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese shredded or about 1 1/2 cups
- 6 ounces monterey jack cheese shredded or about 1 1/2 cups
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- Additional shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni following the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan and whisk in the flour, cooking until it turns a light golden color, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the half & half while whisking continuously to avoid lumps and cook until the mixture thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar and monterey jack until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season the sauce by stirring in ground mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well blended.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the noodles are coated evenly.
- Serve the mac and cheese in a dish topped with extra shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese immediately.
Notes
- Half & Half is an American ingredient made of half heavy cream and half whole milk
- If necessary, you can substitute accordingly
- Make-Ahead Tips: The cheese sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator
- Reheat gently before combining with pasta
- Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Freezing: This mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally
- Add a splash of milk or half & half to restore creaminess
- Customization Ideas: Try different cheese blends like Gruyère, fontina, or mozzarella
- Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for extra spice
- Stir in bacon bits, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes for more texture and flavor
Nutrition
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg