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Our Best Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe for Family Dinners!

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Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this rich, creamy baked mac and cheese that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, it’s a dish everyone will adore!

Ingredients

  • elbow macaroni, medium shells, or cavatappi
  • sharp cheddar cheese
  • Gruyere cheese
  • Fontina cheese or mozzarella cheese
  • unsalted butter
  • all-purpose flour
  • whole milk
  • heavy cream
  • dry mustard powder
  • nutmeg
  • cayenne pepper
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
  • buttery crackers (optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (macaroni, shells, or cavatappi) and cook according to package directions, but remove it about 1-2 minutes before it's fully al dente. It should still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Toss it with a tiny bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Your Cheese: While the pasta cooks, grate all your cheeses. This ensures they're ready to go and will melt smoothly into your sauce without clumping.
  3. Make the Roux: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, whisk in the flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until a thick paste forms and it smells slightly nutty.
  4. Create the Béchamel: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, a little at a time, until smooth. Continue whisking as the sauce gently simmers and thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Season the Sauce: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the dry mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Melt in the Cheese: Add the grated cheeses to the warm sauce in handfuls, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding more.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained, cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta is beautifully coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
  8. Choose Your Finish (Oven or Stovetop): For Baked Mac and Cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If using a topping, sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. For Stovetop Mac and Cheese: Serve immediately from the pot.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Allow grated cheese to come to room temperature for better melting. Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Customize with proteins or vegetables as desired.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/our-best-baked-mac-cheese-recipe-for-family-dinners/