#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
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 3 qt baking dish (9 x 13″). Set aside.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!