Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
This is the best Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe EVER. We're not even exaggerating - it's that good. If you're looking for a truly creamy, cheesy and delicious mac and cheese recipe, look no further.
Servings 8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 (1lb.) box dry elbow pasta
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups half and half
- 4 cups shredded medium sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1/2 Tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and spray a 13 x 9" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook pasta in salted water and 1 minutes less than al dente package instructions and drain.
- Toss cheeses together in a bowl.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sprinkle with flour and whisk constantly, cooking the mixture for about 60 seconds. Add milks in 1 cup increments, whisking well after each addition. Whisk until smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and repeat with another 1 1/2 cups cheese.
- Combine cheese sauce and cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add half of the cheesy pasta to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining cheese. Bake until cheese is golden and bubbly; about 20 minutes. Serve hot.