Description
A creamy, cheesy Mac ‘n’ Cheese with perfect stretchy mozzarella, baked to golden perfection for a comforting meal
Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni: 12 ounces, tender pasta that absorbs the sauce perfectly
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, adds richness and helps thicken the sauce
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons, for smooth, creamy texture
- Whole Milk: 2 cups, makes the sauce rich and velvety
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded, bold flavor and excellent melt
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded, creates the perfect stretch
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances all flavors
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, adds subtle heat
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon, optional, gives color and gentle smoky notes
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in shredded cheeses, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Assemble the Dish: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce until fully coated, then pour into the prepared dish.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Finishing Touches: Optionally sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top and broil for 2–3 minutes for a crusty finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect cheesy stretch.
Notes
- Stir sauce constantly to avoid lumps.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and stretch.
- Serve immediately for maximum cheesy effect.
- Breadcrumb topping adds extra crunch if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Stretchy Cheese, Baked Pasta