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Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese

creamy baked cheddar mac-and-cheese - featured image
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Rich, creamy, and topped with a golden crust, this baked cheddar mac-and-cheese is the ultimate comfort food perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted. Add the cream cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top for extra texture.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  10. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Grate your own cheese for maximum creaminess.’, ‘Season the cheese sauce generously for the best flavor.’, ‘Use a broiler for extra crispiness on the top.’, ‘Add proteins like bacon, chicken, or lobster for a twist.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac-and-cheese, baked mac-and-cheese, cheddar mac-and-cheese, comfort food, creamy mac-and-cheese

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-baked-cheddar-mac-and-cheese-recipe-youll-love/