Baked Cheesy Mac (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2½ cups sharp cheddar, shredded
02 -
¾ cup half-and-half cream
03 -
1½ cups milk (any variety)
04 -
½ teaspoon fine salt
05 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 -
½ pound (about 1½ cups) dry elbow macaroni
07 -
2 tablespoons plain flour
08 -
⅛ teaspoon black pepper, ground
# Instructions:
01 -
Set the oven to 325°F and grease an 8x8-inch dish. Cook macaroni until it's firm but cooked (check package for times).
02 -
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and mix in flour, salt, and pepper. Stir for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk and cream, keep stirring until it thickens like a gravy (around 5–7 minutes).
03 -
Turn off the heat, throw in a cup of shredded cheese, and stir until it’s just smooth.
04 -
Mix macaroni and sauce. Put half in the dish, sprinkle over ½ cup cheese, add the rest of the pasta, and finish with remaining cheese on top.
05 -
Pop it in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese on the top is gooey and melted.
# Notes:
01 -
Go for aged cheddar to amp up the flavor and creaminess.
02 -
Freshly grated melts much more smoothly than pre-grated options.
03 -
Let cheese sit out for a while to warm up before adding.
04 -
Swap pasta and flour with gluten-free choices to adjust for dietary needs.