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Cozy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort

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This Cozy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring Dump And Go Mac And Cheese style, it’s a Big Recipes favorite with layers of melted cheddar and Gruyere for unbeatable flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 **see chef tips #1 below**
  • 4 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese divided (measured after shredding)
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese divided (measured after shredding)
  • 1/2 Tbsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. paprika smoked paprika is our favorite!

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 325 degrees F and lightly grease a 3 quart baking dish.
  2. Boil salted water then cook the pasta until just before al dente, drain, and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare the cheeses by shredding and dividing them into three portions: about 3 cups for sauce, 1 1/2 cups for layering, and 1 1/2 cups for topping.
  4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat then whisk in flour and cook for about a minute until crumbly. Gradually whisk in half and half and milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
  5. Once thickened to a consistency resembling thin condensed soup, remove from heat and fold in salt, pepper, paprika, and 3 cups of cheese in two additions, stirring until smooth.
  6. Mix the cheese sauce thoroughly with the pasta, then spread half the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Spread 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese over it, add the remaining pasta on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and turning lightly golden brown.

Notes

  • For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.amgroyal.com/cozy-creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese/