Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this rich and creamy baked mac and cheese. This recipe promises a luscious cheese sauce that envelops every piece of macaroni, delivering familiar and comforting flavors with a subtle kick. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a treat-yourself night in, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite.
8
Servings
594
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic granules
1/4 teaspoon
half-and-half
2 cups
milk
2 cups
sharp cheddar cheese
20 ounces (shredded and divided)
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
10 ounces (shredded)
elbow macaroni
16 ounces (cooked)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
3
Gradually whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste.
4
Cook the mixture, whisking continuously, for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5
Add salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic granules, stirring to combine well.
6
Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and milk, ensuring a smooth sauce.
7
Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
8
Stir in half of the sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
9
Add all of the extra-sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully incorporated and velvety.
10
Remove the skillet from heat and combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni.
11
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 13x9 inch casserole dish.
12
Sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar cheese over the top for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, bake a bit longer as desired.
14
Allow to cool slightly before serving for the ultimate creamy texture.
Nutrition Information
34g
Fat
47g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
This dish is the Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 F (175 C).
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 20 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese and 10 ounces of extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
How much macaroni is needed?
You will need 16 ounces of cooked elbow macaroni.
What liquid ingredients make the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from 2 cups of half-and-half and 2 cups of milk.
What seasonings provide the subtle kick mentioned?
The subtle kick is provided by 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic granules.
How much butter or margarine is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter or margarine.
How long should the sauce be cooked to thicken?
The sauce should be whisked constantly until it thickens, which takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
What is the total baking time?
Bake for about 20 minutes, or longer if a crispier top is desired.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 13x9 inch casserole dish is recommended.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 594 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 34g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish per serving?
There are 47g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 22g of protein.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked macaroni, family favorite, casserole, and creamy.
How many total ingredients are listed?
There are 11 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
How is the flour incorporated into the sauce?
The flour is gradually whisked into melted butter to create a smooth paste and cooked for 2 minutes.
When should the cheese be added to the sauce?
Add half of the sharp cheddar and all of the extra-sharp cheddar after the milk and half-and-half mixture has thickened.
What is the final step before baking?
The final step is to sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture in the casserole dish.
Why is the flour and butter mixture cooked for 2 minutes?
It is cooked to remove the raw flour taste.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allowing it to cool slightly helps achieve the ultimate creamy texture.
What type of flour is used?
All-purpose flour is used for this recipe.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
Is the sharp cheddar used all at once?
No, it is divided; half is stirred into the sauce and the other half is sprinkled on top.
What is the texture of the extra-sharp cheddar when added?
It should be stirred until it is fully incorporated and velvety.
Can this be served at potlucks?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Does the recipe include sugar or fiber information?
No, the sugar and fiber contents are not specified in the nutritional data provided.
What makes the top bubbly and golden brown?
The remaining sharp cheddar cheese melted during the 20-minute baking process creates a golden top.
What is the description of this mac and cheese?
It is described as a rich and creamy comfort food with a luscious cheese sauce and familiar flavors.