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Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese: A Warm Cheesy Hug

Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese
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Create a creamy, cheesy baked macaroni casserole that’s far superior to any boxed version. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and guarantees a comforting and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 3 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  7. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  8. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  11. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra creamy texture, use a mix of cheeses.
  • Adjust seasoning to your preference.
  • You can add cooked bacon or vegetables for variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/ultimate-baked-mac-and-cheese/