Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese is a family favorite, loved by kids and adults. With layers of gooey cheddar and Gruyere, a creamy sauce, and a golden bubbly topping, it’s the perfect cozy dinner or holiday side dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried elbow pasta
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 ½ cups half and half
• 4 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• ½ tbsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (or regular)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 325°F. Grease a 3-quart (9×13”) baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prep Cheese: Shred cheddar and Gruyere. Divide into three piles: 3 cups for sauce, 1 ½ cups for layering, and 1 ½ cups for topping.
4. Make Roux: Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until sandy. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add Milk & Cream: Slowly whisk in half and half and milk until smooth. Cook until thickened to a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Melt Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in paprika, salt, pepper, then 3 cups of cheese. Mix until smooth and melted.
7. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Mix drained pasta with cheese sauce until fully coated.
8. Layer & Bake: Add half the pasta mixture to the baking dish. Top with 1 ½ cups cheese. Add remaining pasta, then finish with remaining cheese. Bake 15 minutes until golden, bubbly, and irresistible.

Pro Tips

• Undercook pasta slightly — it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Shred your own cheese for the best melt. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.
• Make ahead option: Assemble without baking, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days. Bake just before serving.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Baked Mac and Cheese

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• Author: carlosramirez
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This baked mac and cheese is a family favorite, loved by kids and adults. With layers of gooey cheddar and Gruyere, a creamy sauce, and a golden bubbly topping, it’s the perfect cozy dinner or holiday side dish.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb dried elbow pasta
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 ½ cups half and half
• 4 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• ½ tbsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (or regular)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 325°F. Grease a 3-quart (9×13”) baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prep Cheese: Shred cheddar and Gruyere. Divide into three piles: 3 cups for sauce, 1 ½ cups for layering, and 1 ½ cups for topping.
4. Make Roux: Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until sandy. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add Milk & Cream: Slowly whisk in half and half and milk until smooth. Cook until thickened to a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Melt Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in paprika, salt, pepper, then 3 cups of cheese. Mix until smooth and melted.
7. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Mix drained pasta with cheese sauce until fully coated.
8. Layer & Bake: Add half the pasta mixture to the baking dish. Top with 1 ½ cups cheese. Add remaining pasta, then finish with remaining cheese. Bake 15 minutes until golden, bubbly, and irresistible.

Notes

Undercook pasta slightly — it will continue cooking in the oven. Shred your own cheese for the best melt. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents. Make ahead option: Assemble without baking, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days. Bake just before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American