Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
5.0
69 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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resting time
5 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
799 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
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A creamy mixture of Fontina, Parmigiano Reggiano, and cheddar cheeses are combined with elbow macaroni, topped with a smoked paprika panko mixture and baked until bubbly.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cup half and half
- 3 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese divided, shredded
- 2 cups fontina cheese divided, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese grated
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Breadcrumb topping (optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano grated
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Instructions
For the breadcrumb topping (optional)
- Melt the butter in a microwave until just melted.
- Combine the breadcrumb ingredients together and set aside.
Baked macaroni and cheese
- Preheat oven to 350f and set the rack to the middle level. Bring a large pot of salted water (2 tablespoons kosher salt per gallon of water) to boil. Rub a touch of butter (to prevent sticking) all over the inside of a (9 by 13") baking dish.
- Meanwhile, melt 7 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until the flour is dissolved and lightly golden in color. Slowly add in the milk and half and half 1 cup at a time while whisking.
- Whisk the milk and flour mixture over medium heat until slightly thickened (about 7-9 minutes). The mixture should just coat the back of a wooden spoon.
- While the flour and milk are thickening begin boiling the pasta. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and mix 1 tablespoon of butter into the pasta and set it aside.
- Once milk and flour have thickened, turn the heat off and remove the pan from heat. Add in 2 cups cheddar, 1 1/2 cups Fontina, and the Parmigiano. Stir to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper. Make sure to taste test and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
- Add the just drained pasta into the pot and mix together well. Immediately pour into the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and Fontina cheese then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Cover with parchment paper, then foil (the parchment paper will prevent sticking). Bake for 10 minutes then remove the cover and bake for 5-7 more minutes until bubbly. To brown the breadcrumbs, broil for the last 1-2 minutes but watch carefully. Let the baked mac and cheese set for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- The recipe makes 8 normal-size or 6 very large servings.
- Undercook the pasta by about 2 minutes, since it will cook longer in the oven.
- Covering during the baking process prevents the mac and cheese from drying out. If you like it a bit firmer feel free to bake uncovered the whole time.
- American, Gruyere, Gouda, Havarti, or Monterey Jack can be subbed for Fontina cheese. Basically, any soft melting cheese can be used.
- The breadcrumb topping is completely optional but does give a wonderful texture.
- Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
799kcal
(40%)
Carbohydrates
42.4g
(14%)
Protein
35.3g
(71%)
Fat
54.6g
(84%)
Saturated Fat
33.6g
(168%)
Cholesterol
207mg
(69%)
Sodium
1429mg
(60%)
Potassium
397mg
(11%)
Fiber
0.2g
(1%)
Sugar
5.9g
(12%)
Calcium
811mg
(81%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 799 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 799kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 42.4g | 14% |
| Protein | 35.3g | 71% |
| Fat | 54.6g | 84% |
| Saturated Fat | 33.6g | 168% |
| Cholesterol | 207mg | 69% |
| Sodium | 1429mg | 60% |
| Potassium | 397mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 5.9g | 12% |
| Calcium | 811mg | 81% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
69 reviews
Excellent
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