How to make homemade baked mac and cheese casserole [ Como hacer macarrones con queso ]

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Healthier fat source or cheaper alternative.

Boil a pot of water on medium-high heat.

Add 2 big pinches of salt and 1 tablespoon of oil to the boiling water.

Add 4 cups of elbow macaroni to the pot and cover it.

Cook the macaroni for about 8 to 10 minutes, checking to ensure it is not fully cooked.

Drain the macaroni and set aside.

In the same pot, add 1 cup of butter over medium-low heat until melted.

Add 1 tablespoon of baking powder to thicken the sauce and mix well.

Pour in 3.5 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, stirring until combined.

Add 4 cups of cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.

Add a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika, stirring to combine.

Add a squirt of yellow mustard and mix everything together.

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish, leaving out some of the liquid to avoid a runny texture.

Top with additional cheese and sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.

Add panko breadcrumbs on top for crunchiness.

Bake in the oven at 355°F for 40-45 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens