Description
Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. This rich and gooey macaroni casserole combines sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses for a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its creamy texture and golden top, every bite is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, making it an irresistible favorite among kids and adults alike. Best of all, this easy-to-follow recipe allows for customization with your favorite mix-ins like crispy bacon or fresh veggies, ensuring that each serving can be uniquely yours. Dive into this classic dish today and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow pasta
- 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 (shredded)
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and drizzle with olive oil.
- Shred cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, dividing into portions for sauce and layering.
- In a saucepan, melt butter; whisk in flour until combined. Gradually add half and half, stirring until smooth. Stir in milk until creamy.
- Remove from heat; mix in spices and cheese until melted.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce; layer half in the baking dish, followed by cheese, then remaining pasta mixture.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for about 15 minutes or until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg