Hey there, friends!
Who doesn’t love a good mac and cheese?
Today, I’m excited to share my ultimate comfort food recipe: a mac and cheese casserole!
It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up.
Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish will surely hit the spot!
Let’s dive into this cheesy goodness!
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 1 lb elbow pasta
For the cheese sauce:
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred for more flavor)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups shredded medium cheddar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 2 cups shredded colby jack
- 3 cups heavy cream (gives better texture and moisture)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (I like Cabot sharp cheddar)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For layering:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded colby jack
- 1 cup shredded medium cheddar
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook 1 lb of elbow pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux and Spices
In the same pot used to cook the pasta, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour along with 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of ground mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Mix everything together and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
Carefully whisk in 3 cups of heavy cream and 2 cups of whole milk into the roux.
Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
Gradually add freshly grated cheese—2 cups sharp cheddar, 2 cups medium cheddar, and 2 cups Colby Jack—stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted into a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Assemble
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish and spoon half of the cooked macaroni into the dish.
Sprinkle some of the melted cheese sauce over this layer.
Add the remaining macaroni on top and sprinkle it with more cheese sauce to ensure it’s well-coated.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Once it’s out of the oven, let the macaroni and cheese sit for about 5 minutes to set before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, baked macaroni and cheese!
