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ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese - featured image

Ultra-Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: 5 Easy Steps for Family Dinners

  • Author: Thea
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A foolproof, ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese recipe that stays soft even after reheating. Using a béchamel base, freshly grated cheeses, and undercooked pasta, this dish delivers a velvety texture without being gummy or grainy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or rotini
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720ml) whole milk, warmed
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup (100g) Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (50g) Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup reserved starchy pasta water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Boil pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Do not rinse.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells nutty (blond roux).
  4. Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream. Add garlic powder, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  5. Remove saucepan from heat and let cool for 30 seconds. Stir in grated cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until smooth.
  6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce in the baking dish. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Top with buttered Panko breadcrumbs.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Undercook pasta by 2 minutes so it finishes cooking in the oven. Reserve starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Do not freeze this dish as dairy separates upon thawing.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 16
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, cheesy pasta

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Find it online: https://rootrecipes.online/ultra-creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-5-easy-steps-for-family-dinners/