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Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting, cheesy, and creamy dish that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. With a golden, bubbling top and a velvety sauce made from Gruyère and sharp cheddar, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups whole milk

2 1/2 cups half and half

4 cups medium-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

2 cups Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded

1/2 tbsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted water for about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Shred your cheeses and set aside 3 cups of cheese for the sauce, 1 1/2 cups for layering, and 1 1/2 cups for topping.
  4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly add half and half, followed by milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese until melted. Stir in another 1 1/2 cups of cheese to create a smooth sauce.
  6. Combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  7. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add 1 1/2 cups of cheese, then layer the rest of the pasta on top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sausage, or roasted vegetables like broccoli to the pasta.

To make it extra creamy, add more cream or butter to the sauce.

If you prefer stovetop mac and cheese, skip the baking step and serve the sauce immediately after mixing.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Find it online: https://cookinginspirations.com/homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese/