Creamy Mac and Cheese

Introduction

This creamy mac and cheese is a comforting family favorite. The recipe combines different cheeses, both in a rich sauce and layered in the dish, to create an irresistible, gooey, cheesy delight. It’s perfect for a family dinner or as a side dish for holidays. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you can adjust the cheese types to your liking and even add toppings like bacon or breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried elbow pasta
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 1/2 cups half and half
• 4 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish (9×13 inches). Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook it for 1 minute less than the package instructions for al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   • While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine; it should resemble wet sand. Cook for about 1 minute, whisking often.
   • Slowly pour in about 2 cups of half and half while whisking constantly until smooth. Then, slowly add the remaining half and half and the whole milk, whisking constantly until combined and smooth.
   • Continue heating over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens to a very thick consistency (like a semi-thinned-out condensed soup).
   • Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and 1 1/2 cups each of cheddar and Gruyere cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add another 1 1/2 cups of cheese and continue stirring until fully melted.
4. Combine with Pasta:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce. Stir to fully coat the pasta with the sauce.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese mixture.
   • Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the last 1 1/2 cups of cheese.
6. Bake:
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

Conclusion

This creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of gooey cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of cheddar and Gruyere adds a depth of flavor, while the creamy sauce ensures every bite is rich and delicious. You can experiment with different cheese combinations or add toppings like breadcrumbs or crispy bacon to make it your own. Serve it fresh out of the oven for a hearty family meal or as a delectable side dish at your next holiday gathering. Enjoy!