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Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese

Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese is a comforting dish that combines tender macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce, making it perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Feel free to swap it for shapes like penne or shells.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 3 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese You can try other melting cheeses like Gruyère.
  • 3 cups Whole Milk Almond milk works wonderfully for a dairy-free option.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream You can skip for a lighter version.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Margarine or oil can be substituted.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Feel free to swap with gluten-free flour.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to your taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper White pepper is a milder alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder Prepared mustard works as a substitute.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika is milder.
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Crushed crackers can be a delightful substitute.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until slightly al dente, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk, followed by 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
  6. Add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy.
  7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing well.
  8. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Sprinkle leftover shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, sprinkle on top.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden brown.
  11. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese and ensure the pasta is slightly al dente to absorb the sauce.

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