Baked Mac and Cheese

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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Slowly add milk and cream while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.

Add:

  • cheddar cheese
  • mozzarella
  • salt
  • pepper
  • paprika
  • garlic powder

Stir until melted and creamy.

3. Combine

Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.

4. Bake

Transfer to a greased baking dish.

Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs if desired.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Flavor Variations

  • Add crispy bacon
  • Stir in jalapeños
  • Mix smoked gouda for deeper flavor
  • Add buffalo chicken
  • Top with parmesan crust

Tips for Extra Creaminess

  • Use freshly shredded cheese
  • Don’t overbake
  • Add cream cheese for richer texture
  • Slightly undercook pasta before baking

    Ultra Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb elbow macaroni
    • 4 tbsp butter
    • 4 tbsp flour
    • 3 cups whole milk
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
    • ½ cup parmesan cheese
    • 1 tsp salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • ½ tsp paprika
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Cook the Pasta

    Boil macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

    2. Make the Cheese Sauce

    Melt butter in a saucepan.

    Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

    Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.

    Add:

    • cheddar
    • mozzarella
    • parmesan
    • salt
    • pepper
    • paprika
    • garlic powder

    Stir until silky and melted.

    3. Assemble

    Mix pasta with cheese sauce.

    Pour into a greased baking dish.

    Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs if desired.

    4. Bake

    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.

    Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

    Flavor Variations

    • Add crispy bacon
    • Stir in buffalo chicken
    • Use smoked gouda
    • Add jalapeños for heat
    • Mix several cheeses for deeper flavor

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