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Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese

Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese That Warms the Soul

A comforting bowl of Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese, perfect for cozy gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni or substitute with penne or fusilli
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 3 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese can mix with Gruyère or Monterey Jack
  • 2 cups Whole Milk or use 2% milk for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream omit for lighter version or use plant-based cream
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter use salted butter but reduce additional salt
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour can substitute with gluten-free flour
  • to taste Salt adjust to taste
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper cayenne can be used for extra kick
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder can use Dijon mustard instead
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika sweet paprika is a good alternative
For Topping
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs optional, mix with melted butter

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (7-8 minutes), then drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat and whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to form a roux.
  4. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens (3-5 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat and season the sauce with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
  6. Stir in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
  7. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
  8. Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
  9. If desired, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese layer.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
  11. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and avoid overcooking the pasta. Customize with additional ingredients as desired.

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