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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese That Melts in Your Mouth

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, blending nostalgia with a gourmet touch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Dried Elbow Pasta feel free to swap with cavatappi or shells
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Medium Cheddar Cheese substitute with Colby or Monterey Jack
  • 1 cup Gruyere Cheese Fontina or Havarti can be used as an alternative
  • 4 tablespoons Butter or olive oil if preferred
  • 4 tablespoons Flour essential for thickening the sauce
  • 2 cups Half and Half replace with full-fat milk for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Whole Milk can use more half and half as substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika omit if you prefer a milder flavor
For Tossing the Pasta
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or melted butter as an alternative

Equipment

  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish
  • Large Pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the dried elbow pasta until al dente, then drain and toss with olive oil.
  3. Shred the medium cheddar and Gruyere cheese, aiming for about 3 cups total.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter, add 4 tablespoons of flour, whisking constantly for about 1 minute.
  5. Gradually pour in 2 cups of half and half while whisking, then add 1 cup of half and half and 1 cup of whole milk. Cook until thickened.
  6. Remove from heat and whisk in salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir in reserved cheese until melted.
  7. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.
  8. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish, sprinkle with 1½ cups of cheese, add remaining pasta and cheese.
  9. Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally increase heat for a golden-brown top.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 8mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and follow the steps to ensure a creamy consistency.

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