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CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese That Feels Like Home

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a nostalgic dish that delivers warmth and comfort with layers of gooey cheese and a crispy topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Elbow Pasta The perfect base for this dish.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Richness in flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Used to thicken the cheese sauce.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Adds creaminess.
  • 2 cups Half and Half Boosts creaminess.
  • 3 cups Medium Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shred it fresh for the best melt.
  • 1 cup Gruyere Cheese Nutty richness; can be substituted.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Elevates flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds a hint of spice.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Brings color and a subtle smoky note.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Additional Cheese More of that cheddar or gouda.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Optional for an extra crunchy topping.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large Pot
  • medium saucepan
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil, add elbow pasta, and cook for one minute less than the package instructions.
  3. Shred medium sharp cheddar and Gruyere, dividing them into portions for the sauce, layering, and topping.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in half and half until bubbling, then add milk and continue whisking for 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika, then mix in the shredded cheeses.
  7. In a mixing bowl, fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until coated.
  8. Pour half the mixture into the baking dish, smooth out, then layer with 1½ cups of reserved cheese.
  9. Pour the remaining pasta and cheese sauce mixture over the layers and spread evenly.
  10. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  11. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 450mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Freshly shredded cheese ensures better meltability. Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain texture, and allow resting time after baking for easier serving.

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