Description
This baked mac and cheese recipe delivers creamy homemade cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a golden cheesy topping—perfect as a comfort food side or holiday favorite.
Ingredients
1 lb. dried elbow pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 1/2 cups half and half
4 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese (divided)
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (divided)
1/2 Tbsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 3 qt baking dish.
2. Boil pasta 1 minute less than package directions.
3. Shred and divide cheeses into three portions.
4. Melt butter; whisk in flour for 1 minute.
5. Slowly add milk and half and half; whisk until thick.
6. Add seasonings and cheeses, stirring until smooth.
7. Combine sauce with pasta, layer with cheese, and top with remaining cheese.
8. Bake 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
Add bacon or breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, family favorite pasta, homemade cheese sauce, cheesy casserole, holiday side dish