creamy baked macaroni and cheese

Author of this recipe: Ying Masudi

Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese | Gluten-free, dairy-free options | Perfect Comfort Food | #MacAndCheeseRecipe

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Ingredients

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• - Large pasta shells (for a hearty texture)
• - Sharp cheddar cheese (4 cups, ensuring flavor depth and richness)
• - Gouda cheese (1 cup, adds a mild sweetness to the mix)
• - Colby Jack cheese (1 cup, provides creaminess without overpowering the dish)
• - All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons, for thickening the sauce)
• - Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons, enhances flavor and helps with browning)
• - Whole milk (1 cup, creates a creamy texture)
• - Heavy cream (1/2 cup, adds richness to the sauce)
• - Salt (to taste, adjust according to your preference)
• - Black pepper (to taste, for added depth of flavor)
• - Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon, for a slight tanginess and complexity)
• - Garlic powder (1 teaspoon, enhances overall flavor profile)
• - Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon, adds subtle sweetness)
• - Paprika (1/2 teaspoon, gives color and mild heat)
• - Freshly grated nutmeg (a pinch, optional but recommended for a warm spice)
• - Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup, for a crunchy top layer)
• - Optional: bacon bits or diced ham (for added smokiness and richness)
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Steps

1. ### Perfectly Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
3. #### Introduction to Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
5. Baked macaroni and cheese is a comfort food classic that's easy to make and perfect for any meal. This creamy version offers a smooth, rich flavor that pairs well with both meat and veggie dishes. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish will hit the spot.
7. #### Ingredients
9. - 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
10. - 1/2 cup (118ml) milk
11. - 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
12. - 1/2 cup (67g) all-purpose flour
13. - 1 tsp garlic powder
14. - 1 tsp onion powder
15. - 4 cups (304g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
16. - 1 cup (88g) shredded Gouda cheese
17. - Salt and pepper to taste
19. #### Steps to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese
21. **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
23. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an essential first step to ensure that the macaroni and cheese bakes evenly.
25. **Step 2: Cook the Pasta**
27. - Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
28. - Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, then add the elbow macaroni.
29. - Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid for later use if needed.
31. **Step 3: Make the Sauce**
33. - In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
34. - Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
35. - Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until thickened.
37. **Step 4: Add Cheese**
39. - Remove from heat and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
40. - Stir in half of the cheddar cheese and Gouda cheese until fully melted and smooth.
41. - If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta cooking liquid a tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.
43. **Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce**
45. - Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
47. **Step 6: Bake**
49. - Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
50. - Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top for extra flavor.
51. - Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
52. - Remove the foil and continue baking until the surface is golden brown and bubbly, about 15 more minutes.
54. **Step 7: Serve**
56. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious creamy macaroni and cheese while warm!
58. #### Tips and Variations
60. - For extra flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or paprika.
61. - Use different types of cheese for a unique twist!
62. - Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
64. By following these detailed steps, you can create a perfectly creamy baked macaroni and cheese that is sure to please everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

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