Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: Classic Comfort Food Recipe
1 hour
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About Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe! This classic dish elevates simple macaroni to a level of cheesy, luxurious perfection. Get ready to savor every bite of perfectly cooked pasta swimming in a rich, decadent cheese sauce.One taste, and you'll understand why this mac and cheese is a family favorite. The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan creates an unforgettable flavor experience. It's the perfect side dish or a satisfying main course for any occasion.This recipe provides clear instructions and tips to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients and prepare to be amazed by this incredibly easy yet impressive dish!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook50 minutes
Total1 hour
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cup Elbow Macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese but highly recommended, optional, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Milk whole milk recommended
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 4 tbsp Butter unsalted
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Bake
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Once melted and smooth, stir in the cooked macaroni, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix well to coat evenly.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese:
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can affect the creaminess of the sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the creamy sauce.
- For an extra decadent touch, stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce for a hint of tang.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 566kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 28gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 1457mgPotassium: 304mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 774IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 574mgIron: 2mg
6 Comments
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Such a perfect dish! Thank you.
Looks so wonderful! Thanks for posting.
This is exactly what I was looking for!
This is awesome! Can’t wait to cook it.
All time kids favorite!
Absolutely mouthwatering! Great share.