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–+ servings
Baked Mac & Cheese

Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese That Feels Like a Warm Hug

This creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is a comforting dish that evokes nostalgia and is perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or shells
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter or margarine for dairy-free
  • 4 tbsp Flour use gluten-free flour if needed
  • 2 cups Milk whole milk recommended, plant-based can substitute
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream can use more milk for a lighter sauce
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese freshly grated for best results
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese provolone can substitute
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese swappable with Pecorino Romano
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese use reduced-fat version to lighten dish
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs panko breadcrumbs will provide extra crunch
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika cayenne optional for extra kick

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • colander
  • Baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Mac & Cheese
  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in an equal amount of flour to form a roux. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Add the Cheeses: Stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of parmesan cheese, and 8 oz of cream cheese. Continue to stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer drained macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and pour in mac and cheese mixture.
  6. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with 1 cup of breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
  7. Bake the Dish: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow cooling for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This dish can be customized with various cheeses and pasta types. For an extra crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs.

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