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Best Baked Mac and Cheese

Course Dinner
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 14

Ingredients

  • 10 oz elbow macaroni
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter 56g
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk 720g
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240g
  • ¼ cup cream cheese at room temperature (4 oz or 113g)
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup each of shredded cheddar cheese Gruyère cheese, and mozzarella cheese for the cheese sauce
  • ½ cup each of shredded cheddar cheese Gruyère cheese, and mozzarella cheese for layering
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Cook the macaroni following the box instructions until it's al dente. Strain and set aside.
  • Shred the cheeses and set them aside, keeping the cheeses for the sauce separate from the cheeses for layering.
  • In a nonstick pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and stir until it becomes golden and smells amazing. Then, add the salt, spices, and stir for a minute.
  • Add the milk, cream, and cream cheese. Whisk until it comes to a boil, then turn off the heat.
  • Add 1 cup each of the shredded cheeses a little at a time, stirring until they melt in.
  • Add the boiled macaroni and stir in. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Take a casserole or ceramic baking dish (I use a 7x11" dish). Add half of the Mac And Cheese mixture, spread it out, then sprinkle over half of the cheese set aside for layering. Cover with the remaining Mac And Cheese, and sprinkle over all the remaining cheese.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and lightly dust with paprika.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the top cheese is melted. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is golden.
  • Serve and savor the deliciousness! Enjoy!