Description
The best Baked Mac And Cheese - simple, creamy, cheesy and flavorful without being overpowering!
Ingredients
- 10 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56g)
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (720g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240g)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature (4 oz or 113g)
- 1/2 to 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 to 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup each of shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese and mozzarella cheese for the cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup each of shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese and mozzarella cheese for layering
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (conventional)
- Boil the macaroni following box instructions to reach al dente. Strain and set aside
- Shred the cheeses and set aside, keeping the cheeses for the sauce separate from the cheeses for layering
- Melt the butter in a nonstick pan at medium heat. Add flour and mix until it becomes golden and fragrant. Then add the salt and spices, and stir for one minute
- Add the milk, cream, and cream cheese. Whisk to combine and cook until the mixture comes to a boil. Turn off the heat
- Add 1 cup each of the shredded cheeses, a little at a time, and stir until they melt in
- Add the boiled macaroni and stir in. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Take a casserole / ceramic baking dish; I use a 7x11" dish. Add half of the Mac And Cheese mixture and spread it out. Sprinkle over half of the cheese mixture that was set aside for layering. Cover with the remaining Mac And Cheese, and then sprinkle over all the remaining cheese
- Garnish with the chopped parsley and lightly dust with paprika
- Place the dish in the pre-heated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted. Broil for just a few minutes so the cheese on top is golden
- Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American