03/06/2025
Baked Mac n Cheese 🧀
This pasta is creamy, flavourful, and a favourite comfort food! Put together in about 35 minutes and serves 6-10.
*Recipe*
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp plus 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 lb elbow noodles
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (light-no taste)
- 6 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder or Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 - 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
*Directions*
1) Preheat oven 350, and grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Set aside.
2) Bring large pot of water to a boil (high heat). Add 1 tbsp salt and the pasta, cook according to package directions, until el dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water when draining. Immediately drizzle with oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
3) In large bowl, shred and stir together the cheeses and set aside.
4) In large pot over medium heat, melt butter. When the butter foams, whisk in the flour. Continue whisking for 2 mins, until the flour just starts to turn golden.
5) While whisking, slowly stream in the milk, heavy cream, amd reserved pasta water. Continue whisking until mixture is smooth, creamy, and JUST beginning to boil.
6) Add paprika, mustard powder or Dijon mustard, garlic and onion powder, remaining salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 mins, until sauce has thickened a bit.
7) Add 3 cups of the cheese and stir until melted. Add another 3 cups of cheese (you should have 2 cups remaining). Stir until melted and creamy. Pour in the pasta and mix together. Turn of heat and season more, if desired.
8)Pour the Mac and cheese evenly into casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining 2 cups of cheese and bake for 15 mins, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
For more golden brown topping, turn the oven to broil for the last 2-3 mins of baking. Serve warm.
Enjoy!
Source: “Natasha’s Kitchen”Cookbook