Description
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to every dinner table. This rich, cheesy dish features a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, creating a depth of flavor that elevates it above ordinary mac and cheese. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or potlucks with friends, this creamy delight is easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste. Enjoy it as a side dish or main course, and watch it quickly become a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb 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 medium sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook elbow pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until combined; gradually add half and half and milk until thickened.
- Stir in spices and shredded cheeses into the sauce until smooth.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce; layer in the baking dish, topping with remaining cheese.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 775mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 100mg