Velvety Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this velvety Mac and Cheese recipe, a delightful blend of creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect as a family favorite or as a decadent side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

🍝 1 pound of elbow macaroni
🧀 8 oz Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
🧀 8 oz Gouda or smoked Gouda, shredded
🧀 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
🥛 3 cups of milk
🍶 1 cup of heavy cream
🌾 1/4 cup of flour
🧈 7 tablespoons of butter
🥄 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon
🧄 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions

1- Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2- Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 7 minutes, until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

3- Shred the Cheese:

• While the pasta cooks, shred the Sharp cheddar, Gouda (or smoked Gouda), and Monterey Jack cheese by hand for a smoother melt.

4- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Add the flour, whisking continuously until it forms a smooth paste.
• Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
• Add the chicken bouillon, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, then gradually add all the shredded cheeses, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.

5- Combine and Bake:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
• Stir well to ensure even coating.
• Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish.
• Top with a little more shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

6- Bake:

• Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

7- Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving warm as a side dish or main delight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: Approximately 540
Proteins: 22g
Fats: 32g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Equipment: Large pot, saucepan, whisk, casserole dish, and cheese shredder

Cooking Tips

• For an even creamier texture, consider adding a bit more heavy cream or cheese.
• To enhance the flavor, consider using smoked Gouda.

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Velvety Mac and Cheese