PrintUltra-Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Experience ultimate comfort with this ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese. This recipe features a rich five-cheese blend and a satisfying baked crunch, perfect for a soul-warming meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Optional: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top for an extra crunch.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an even creamier sauce, use a blend of whole milk and heavy cream.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations based on your preference.
- You can add cooked protein like shredded chicken or bacon for a heartier meal.
- Ensure your cheese is shredded from a block for the best melting consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/mac-and-cheese-recipe/