Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Yield: 8 Servings
This Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese will surely make your day extra special! Try this recipe now and prepare to fall in love. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
½ c unsalted butter
2 ½ c half and half
1-pound dried elbow pasta
4 c grated medium sharp cheddar cheese divided (measured after grating)
¼ teaspoon paprika
½ c all-purpose flour
2 c grated Gruyere cheese divided (measured after grating)
1 ½ c whole milk
½ tablespoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Prepare the oven and preheat to 162 degrees C or 325 degrees F.
Apply cooking spray in a 3-quart baking dish.
Place a large pot with salted water on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to boil.
Add the dried pasta and refer to the directions provided on the package on how to cook it. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle olive oil over the pasta.
Grate the cheeses, then add them into a mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. Divide the cheese mixture into three uses.
Place a large pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
Add butter and allow it to melt.
Add the flour, then whisk and cook for about a minute.
Add 2 cups of milk, then whisk until well blended.
Add the rest for the milk and whisk until well blended again. Simmer for a few minutes until the texture becomes thick.
Remove the sauce from the heat, then add 1 ½ cups of cheese and spices. Stir until well blended.
Add the drained pasta into a separate mixing bowl, then pour the cheese sauce on top. Toss until well coated.
Transfer ½ of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of grated cheeses over the pasta mixture.
Add the rest of the pasta mixture over the cheese layer.
Top everything with the rest of the cheese.
Place it inside the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes at room temperature.
Serve warm and enjoy!
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