How To Make The Best Baked Mac And Cheese

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

Part-skim mozzarella is lower in fat, while string cheese can be a more affordable option.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Romano cheese

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative, while Romano is typically less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat, while margarine can be a cheaper substitute.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than recommended on the package, then drain.

In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese with the American cheese and cornstarch. Toss until all of the cheese is coated.

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the mustard powder and cayenne and stir to combine. Toast the spices until the butter turns golden brown, about 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the milk begins to simmer, about 3 minutes.

Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then temper it by slowly adding a few spoonfuls of the simmering milk mixture while whisking until incorporated.

Slowly drizzle the tempered egg back into the milk mixture, whisking vigorously until fully incorporated.

Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheddar cheese mixture, whisking between each addition to ensure the cheese melts evenly.

Add the cooked pasta to the pot and gently fold to coat with the sauce, then season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour the pasta and sauce into an 8-inch square baking dish.

In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top of the pasta.

Bake the mac and cheese until the cheese is melted and beginning to bubble around the edges, about 20 minutes. Turn the broiler on high and broil until the cheese begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens