Baked Mac & Cheese
This is my secret for the creamiest, cheesiest baked mac and cheese. It's all about building that sauce with heavy cream, cream cheese, and a perfect blend of cheddar and Gruyère! 🧀
Ingredients:
- 1 box Elbow Macaroni
Cream Mix:
- 4 cups of heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
Cheese Mix:
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 spoon full minced garlic
- 3 tbsp flour
- 8 oz grated cheddar
- 8 oz grated white cheddar
- 8 oz grated Gruyère
- (pasta water)
Directions:
1. Boil pasta
2. Mix cream, cream cheese, and seasonings until smooth. Set aside.
3. Melt butter/garlic for roux. Add flour and cook for 1 min.
4. Add cream mix and whisk until thickened. Add grated cheese and stir.
Toss sauce with cooked pasta. Top with more cheese.
5. Bake at 350 for 15 to 30 minutes uncovered. (If you like a crispier top crust, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watch it so it doesn’t burn!)
#bakedmacandcheese #thanksgivingsides #recipevideo #sidedish
Baked mac and cheese is a timeless classic that brings comfort and satisfaction with every creamy bite. This recipe stands out by combining heavy cream, cream cheese, and a trio of sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and Gruyère cheeses to create a sauce that's both rich and velvety. One important tip when making this dish is to use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor depth. The roux — made from unsalted butter, minced garlic, and flour — provides the perfect base for thickening the creamy sauce. Incorporating pasta water helps achieve the optimal sauce consistency that clings beautifully to every macaroni piece. This technique elevates the texture of the final dish. Spices like black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add layers of subtle heat and aroma, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. For those seeking an extra crispy top, broiling the baked mac and cheese for the last minute or two intensifies the golden crust without drying out the creamy interior. This recipe also makes for an excellent holiday side dish, especially during Thanksgiving, pairing well with roasted meats and vegetables. You can customize the cheeses to your liking or add extras like cooked bacon, breadcrumbs, or caramelized onions for added texture. For best results, avoid overcooking the pasta initially since it will continue to bake in the oven; al dente is ideal. Serve this mac and cheese warm as a hearty main or a decadent side that will surely impress family and friends. Enjoy the perfect comfort food experience with this rich, cheesy baked mac and cheese!
