Description
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a nostalgic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. This deliciously rich dish features perfectly cooked elbow pasta enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses. Baked until golden brown, each bite offers an indulgent blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy both children and adults alike. Whether served as a main course or a delightful side, this mac and cheese recipe promises to be a family favorite for years to come.
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 your oven to 325°F.
- Cook the elbow pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk until thickened.
- Remove from heat; stir in spices and cheeses until melted.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce, pour into a greased baking dish, layer with remaining cheese, and bake for about 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg