Description
Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, cheesy flavors with a satisfying pasta base. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in, appealing to both kids and adults. With its creamy cheese sauce made from a delightful blend of cheddar and Gruyere, every bite is a mouthwatering experience. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile addition to any meal. This recipe allows you to create a comforting classic that will impress at your dinner table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb dried 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 shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 3 qt baking dish.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Shred cheeses and separate into three portions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour until combined, then gradually add half and half and milk until smooth.
- Thicken the sauce while whisking; stir in spices and cheeses until melted.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce in a mixing bowl; layer in the baking dish.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg