Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is the best baked mac and cheese I’ve ever had! If you’re looking for comfort food, the great flavor of this easy mac and cheese is sure to please!!
Servings: 16
Calories: 464kcal
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces macaroni noodles 1 box
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups cream or half and half
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 1/2 cups Gouda cheese or substitute
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups for sauce, 1 cup for topping
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 cup graded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. and grease 9- x 13-inch baking pan.
- Cook macaroni to al dente by following the directions on the package. Drain. Place drained pasta in large bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons butter to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter (6 Tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine well. Cook for about a minute or so. Slowly add in the milk and cream. Also add in the salt, pepper and paprika. The best way to make sure the sauce stays creamy is to continually whisk for about 5 minutes until the sauce is thickened to a creamy texture. Remove from heat.
- Stir in shredded cheeses and pour over buttered macaroni.Pour into prepared baking pan and sprinkle additional cheese over the top.
- In a medium bowl mix together the bread crumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping mixture all over the top of the macaroni and cheese mixture in the pan.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the topping starts to lightly brown. You want to make sure not to overbake the dish or it won’t be as creamy as you’d like!
- Enjoy!
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 464kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 668mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 822IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 426mg | Iron: 1mg
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