How to make the Best Baked Mac and Cheese

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta brands

More nutritious or cost-effective.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking pan.

Cook noodles according to package directions, taking two minutes off the recommended time.

While the noodles are cooking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add flour and whisk. Cook for two minutes.

Slowly add the milk and half and half, whisking constantly. Add about ½ cup at a time, until it thickens before adding more. Cook until the sauce is nice and thick.

Add 1½ cup of the Gruyere and 1½ cup of cheddar into the mixture and stir until melted. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, mix the noodles with the cheese sauce. Mix together until well combined.

Pour the remaining noodles mixture on top.

Finish the dish by topping with the rest of the shredded cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is nice and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens