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BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 32 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: 12-14 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Macaroni:

  • 10 oz elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56g)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (720g)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240g)
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature (4 oz or 113g)
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup each of shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and mozzarella cheese for the cheese sauce
  • 1/2 cup each of shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and mozzarella cheese for layering
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F (conventional): Boil the macaroni following box instructions to reach al dente. Strain and set aside.
  2. Shred the cheeses and set aside, keeping the cheeses for the sauce separate from the cheeses for layering.
  3. Melt the butter in a nonstick pan at medium heat. Add flour and mix until golden and fragrant. Then add salt and spices, and stir for one minute.
  4. Add the milk, cream, and cream cheese. Whisk to combine and cook until the mixture boils. Turn off the heat.
  5. Add 1 cup each of the shredded cheeses, a little at a time, and stir until melted.
  6. Add the boiled macaroni and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Layer the Mac and Cheese in a casserole dish, alternating with shredded cheeses. Finish with cheese on top.
  8. Garnish with parsley and paprika. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil until golden.
  9. Serve and enjoy!


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg