The Best Creamy and Cheesy Baked Mac N Cheese: A Family Favorite
This baked mac and cheese features creamy layers of cheddar and Gruyère, making it a family favorite comfort food that’s cheesy, bubbly, and perfect for any occasion.
Long Description:
This baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, beloved by both children and adults. It combines tender elbow pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from a blend of cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. The triple-layer cheese approach ensures every bite is filled with cheesy goodness, while the smoked paprika adds just a hint of depth to the flavor. Baked to perfection, this dish is bubbly, golden, and utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a potluck, this mac and cheese will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. It's easy to prepare and uses classic ingredients, creating a dish that’s delicious and comforting. Plus, it can be customized with different cheeses or add-ins like bacon for extra indulgence.
Why You’ll Love It:
Triple-Layer Cheese: The three layers of cheese guarantee maximum cheesy goodness in every bite.
Perfect Texture: The combination of creamy sauce and baked, bubbly cheese on top creates the ultimate mac and cheese experience.
Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for gatherings.
Tips and Tricks:
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce. For best results, shred the cheese yourself.
Use High-Quality Cheeses: Sharp cheddar and Gruyère are recommended for their bold flavors and meltability.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just shy of al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
Common Questions:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.Q: How do I reheat baked mac and cheese?
A: Reheat at 325°F, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
The Best Creamy and Cheesy Baked Mac N Cheese is a comfort food classic that's guaranteed to please. Its creamy layers, gooey cheese, and baked golden top make it the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a holiday meal. With a straightforward recipe and a rich, indulgent taste, this mac and cheese will quickly become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and enjoy the ultimate cheesy comfort with every delicious bite.
The Best Creamy and Cheesy Baked Mac N Cheese: A Family Favorite
Ingredients:
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, divided (measured after shredding)
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese, divided (measured after shredding)
1/2 tbsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish (9x13"). Set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package directs for al dente. Drain the pasta and drizzle a little olive oil over it to keep it from sticking.
Prepare the Cheese: Shred the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. Toss together to mix, then divide into three portions: approximately 3 cups for the sauce, 1 1/2 cups for the inner layer, and 1 1/2 cups for the topping.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine; the mixture will look like wet sand. Cook for 1 minute, whisking often. Gradually pour in 2 cups of the half and half while whisking, then add the remaining half and half and the whole milk. Continue to heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens to the consistency of a semi-thinned condensed soup.
Add the Cheese to the Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of the mixed cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth, then add another 1 1/2 cups and stir until completely combined.
Assemble the Mac and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat thoroughly. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheeses, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the final 1 1/2 cups of cheese over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.