Baked Mac & Cheese

November 13, 2023

easy

Elevate your comfort food game with this Baked Mac & Cheese recipe! Creamy, cheesy goodness meets a golden, crispy crust for the ultimate cheesy bliss in every bite.

What is Baked Mac & Cheese

Baked Mac & Cheese is the epitome of comfort food, a timeless classic that combines tender macaroni with a rich and gooey cheese sauce. What sets this dish apart is the golden, crispy crust that forms when it’s baked to perfection. Each bite is a delightful harmony of cheesy goodness and a satisfying crunch that will make your taste buds dance.

homemade baked mac and cheese close up micro shot

Ingredients for Baked Mac & Cheese

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to embark on your journey to Mac & Cheese bliss:

– Elbow Pasta

– Unsalted Butter

– All-Purpose Flour

– Whole Milk

– Half and Half

– Medium Sharp Cheddar Cheese

– Gruyere Cheese

– Salt & Pepper

– Garlic Powder

Tips for Making Creamy Mac & Cheese

A Cheese Medley: Combine different cheeses for a complex flavor profile. Sharp Cheddar and Gruyère make an excellent duo, bringing both sharpness and creaminess to the table.

The Roux Technique: Master the art of making a roux (butter and flour mixture) to create a velvety cheese sauce. Make sure to stir continuously to avoid lumps and a grain texture!

Gradual Milk Addition: When incorporating milk into your sauce, do it gradually. This helps in achieving a smooth texture without clumps.

Bake to Perfection: For that coveted crispy top layer, sprinkle and extra layer of cheese on your Mac & Cheese before baking. This adds a delightful crunch to complement the creamy goodness beneath.

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Ingredients

Adjust Servings

	1 lb Dried Elbow Pasta
	½ cup Unsalted Butter
	½ cup All-Purpose Flour
	4 cups Whole Milk
	2 cups Half and Half
	4 cups Medium Sharp Cheddar Cheese
	2 cups Gruyere Cheese
	Salt & Pepper to taste
	Garlic Powder to taste

Directions

1.

Preheat Oven & Boil Pasta

Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the dried pasta to the boiling water and cook based on the package's timing for al dente pasta. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

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2.

Grate the Cheeses

Grate the Gruyere Cheese and Medium Sharp Cheddar Cheese and mix together, reserve ½ cup of the mixed cheeses to use for topping later.

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3.

Start the Cheese Sauce

In a medium or large pot, over med/low heat, melt the butter and sprinkle the flour and begin to whisk. Allow to cook for about a minute, whisking frequently. While whisking constantly, slowly add the milk until thick and smooth. Repeat this action with the half and half until the mixture is thoroughly combined, thick & smooth.

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4.

Add the Cheeses

Once combined, remove from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Begin to stir in the cheese to melt and combine, ½ a cup at a time. Stir in the cheese until it is completely melted and smooth.

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5.

Add the Cooked Pasta & Bake

Add the drained pasta to the pot of cheese sauce, stir to fully coat the pasta. Pour the pasta mixture into an oven safe baking dish. Top the cheesy pasta with the reserved ½ cup grated cheese mixture. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

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