Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese (Printable Version)
Tender pasta enveloped in a smooth cheddar blend with a crisp golden breadcrumb topping.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ Cheese
01 -
12 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese
02 -
8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese
03 -
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
04 -
4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 -
4 oz shredded white cheddar cheese
06 -
1/4 cup whipped cream cheese
→ Pasta
07 -
1 lb pasta noodles (elbow or rotini recommended)
→ Dairy & Butter
08 -
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
09 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
10 -
3.5 cups half and half
11 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
→ Seasonings
12 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
13 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
14 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
15 -
1/2 teaspoon paprika
16 -
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
17 -
Salt, to taste
18 -
Black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Shred medium cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheeses. Reserve 1 cup from each for topping.
02 -
Mince garlic cloves and divide butter into portions.
03 -
Preheat oven to 425°F. Boil water and cook pasta until slightly firm, about 2-3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and transfer pasta to a casserole dish. Toss immediately with 4 tablespoons butter to coat evenly.
04 -
In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until translucent without browning, about 1-2 minutes.
05 -
Whisk the flour into the melted butter and garlic mixture to form a roux. Gradually pour in reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half, whisking continuously until sauce thickens to a smooth consistency.
06 -
Reduce heat to low. Stir in remaining shredded cheeses until fully melted. Fold in whipped cream cheese, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper to develop a rich, layered flavor.
07 -
Pour cheese sauce over buttered pasta and mix gently to ensure even coverage. Evenly sprinkle reserved cheese blend over the top.
08 -
Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F. Then switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese topping is golden and crisp without burning.
09 -
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Use freshly shredded high-quality cheeses for optimal flavor and melting characteristics.
02 -
Maintain low heat when melting cheese to avoid sauce separation and grainy texture.
03 -
Undercook pasta by 2-3 minutes prior to baking to ensure it remains firm and absorbent.
04 -
Position the oven rack in the upper-middle zone for broiling and monitor cheese topping closely to prevent burning.