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Creamy baked macaroni and cheese in a golden, crispy dish.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy, dreamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe that elevates weeknight dinners into a gourmet experience, packed with nostalgia and deliciousness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Ingredients
  • 12 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz shredded colby jack cheese
  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz shredded white cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup whipped cream cheese
Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 1 lb pasta noodles (elbow or rotini)
  • 7 tbsp room temperature butter, divided
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 3.5 cups half and half
Seasoning Ingredients
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Shred the medium cheddar, colby jack, and mozzarella cheeses. Set aside a cup of each for topping.
  3. Mince the garlic.
  4. Prepare the butter portions.
Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until slightly firm.
  2. Drain the pasta and coat with butter.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to create a golden roux.
  3. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half, whisking until thickened.
  4. Lower the heat and fold in the shredded cheeses and cream cheese, along with the spices.
Combining and Baking
  1. Combine the cheese sauce with the buttered noodles until fully coated.
  2. Sprinkle the reserved cheese blend on top.
  3. Bake for 10 minutes, then broil briefly to achieve a golden crust, watching closely.
  4. Let rest before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid a cheese apocalypse. Glutten-free pasta can be used with care. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken or veggies.