Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this classic comfort dish enhanced with flavorsome cheeses and a subtle hint of spices. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this mac and cheese recipe promises to deliver unforgettable, soul-warming satisfaction.

Ingredients

🍝 1 lb Elbow macaroni
🧀 8 oz Colby jack cheese
🧀 8 oz Mozzarella cheese
🧀 8 oz Sharp cheddar cheese
🧀 8 oz Smoked Gouda cheese
🧈 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
🌾 3 tablespoons Flour
🌶️ 1 teaspoon Paprika
🧄 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
🧅 1 teaspoon Onion powder
🧂 1 teaspoon Salt
⚫ 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
🥛 2 cups Heavy cream
🥛 1 cup Whole milk
🧴 Cooking spray for the baking dish

Instructions

1- Preheat & Prep:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

2- Cheese Preparation:

• Shred all of your cheeses.
• Divide them into two equal portions.

3- Pasta Cooking:

• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
• Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
• Drain and set aside.

4- Roux & Cheese Sauce:

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
• Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking for an additional minute.

5- Cream Base:

• Gradually pour in the heavy cream (2 cups), one cup at a time, whisking continuously until smooth.
• Add the cup of milk and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.

6- Incorporate Cheese:

• Remove the saucepan from heat.
• Stir in the first half of the shredded cheese, little by little, until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

7- Combine Pasta & Sauce:

• Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in the saucepan.
• Ensure everything is well coated.

8- Layer & Bake:

• Pour half of the pasta-cheese mixture into the greased baking dish.
• Sprinkle some of the reserved cheese on top.
• Add the remaining pasta-cheese mixture, and top with the last of the cheese.

9- Baking & Finishing Touches:

• Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly.
• For a golden crust, broil for an additional 1 minute.
• Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approx. 650 per serving
Nutritional Info per Serving:

• Proteins: 25g
• Fats: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  Equipment: Large pot, large saucepan, whisk, 9x13 inch baking dish

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure even cheese melting by stirring constantly and gradually in step 6.

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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese