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Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese

Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese That Melts Hearts

Indulge in the comforting goodness of Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese, a delightful crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizers & Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour for roux
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder or Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional

For the Topping

  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs optional, use panko for texture

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook until slightly al dente, about 6-8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in the salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and smoked paprika into the thickened sauce until well combined.
  • Remove from heat and mix in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until all pasta is coated.
  • Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish and evenly spread it. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top.
  • If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese topping.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. Mix different cheeses for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cheesy pasta, Comfort Food, Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese, easy recipes, macaroni and cheese, weeknight dinners
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