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–+ servings

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

This creamy baked mac & cheese is truly a household favorite. The kind of dish that disappears from the table faster than you can blink. It’s rich, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy, with a golden top that makes every bite feel like pure comfort.
5 from 1 vote
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Servings 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups half & half
  • 1 lb large elbow noodles
  • 1 stick salted butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 cup gouda cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

  • Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a large baking dish.
  • Prepare the cheese: Grate all cheeses and combine them in a large bowl. Set aside. You should have about 6 cups total.
  • Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow noodles and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour until smooth. Cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
  • Make the sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and half & half while whisking. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of the cheese blend until melted and creamy.
  • Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
  • Layer in baking dish: Pour half of the mac & cheese mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese. Add the rest of the pasta mixture, then top with the final layer of cheese.
  • Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. For an extra crispy top, broil on high for 3–5 minutes (watch carefully so it doesn’t burn).
  • Rest & serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Video

@cookingwithdestiny_

Creamy Mac & cheese 😋🧀 Ingredients: - 2 blocks sharp cheddar cheese (grated) - 1 block Gruyère cheese (grated) - 1 block Gouda cheese (grated) - Elbow pasta - 1/2 cup butter - 1/2 cup flour - 2 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 1/2 cup whole milk - Salt - Pepper - Onion powder - Garlic powder - Paprika Directions: 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow pasta according to the package instructions. (Temove from heat 2 minutes before desired cook time) Drain and set aside 2. In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux (it should be a smooth paste) 3. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. 4. Stir in the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. 5. Gradually add in half of the grated cheddar, Gruyère, and Gouda cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. 6. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. 7. Bake in the oven on 375* for 30 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. 8. Serve warm and enjoy! 💕

♬ original sound - Destiny Symone