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#MenuMonday: A Comfort Classic

#MenuMonday: Creamy Homemade Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Not only are the leaves changing and pumpkin flavors popping up in coffee shops everywhere but comfort foods are back in season. Macaroni & Cheese has always been a comfort classic for all to enjoy. Try out this delicious Creamy Homemade Baked Macaroni & Cheese recipe at your next event!

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 grated medium sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese, divided
  • 1/2 Tbsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. paprika

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 3 qt baking dish (9 x 13″).  Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  When boiling, add dried pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package directs for al dente.  Drain and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil to keep from sticking.
  3. While water is coming up to a boil, grate cheeses and toss together to mix, then divide into three piles.  Approximately 3 cups for the sauce, 1 1/2 cups for the inner layer, and 1 1/2 cups for the topping.
  4. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine.  Mixture will look like very wet sand.  Cook for approximately 1 minute, whisking often.  Slowly pour in about 2 cups or so of the milk/half and half, while whisking constantly, until smooth.  Slowly pour in the remaining milk/half and half, while whisking constantly, until combined and smooth.
  5. Continue to heat over medium heat, whisking very often, until thickened to a very thick consistency.  It should almost be the consistency of a semi thinned out condensed soup.
  6. Stir in spices and 1 1/2 cups of the cheeses, stirring to melt and combine.  Stir in another 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and stir until completely melted and smooth.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with cheese sauce, stirring to combine fully.  Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.  Top with 1 1/2 cups of grated cheeses, then top that with the remaining pasta mixture.
  8. Sprinkle the top with the last 1 1/2 cups of cheese and bake for 15 minutes, until cheesy is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

Servings: 8-10

Total Time: 35 minutes

Original Recipe: The Chunky Chef

Calories: 665

Make sure to let us know if you enjoyed this mouthwatering Mac & Cheese recipe!

Check back on www.bctent.com/blog every Monday for a #MenuMonday party food or beverage recipe!