Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | How To Make Baked Mac N Cheese | Macarrones con Queso al Horno

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while processed cheese is more affordable.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + powdered milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while the powdered milk is a cost-effective alternative.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories, while pecorino is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier for cooking, while margarine is a cheaper fat option.

Set a large pot on medium heat and add 4 quarts of water.

Once the water is boiling, add salt and 1 pound of large elbow pasta; cook for about 6 minutes.

After 7 minutes, drain the pasta and set aside.

Grate the cheese: start with colby jack cheese, then sharp cheddar cheese, and finally smoked gouda cheese.

Set the pot to low medium heat and add 6 tablespoons of butter; wait for it to melt.

Once melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour; mix until the flour is dissolved.

Add 4 cups of room temperature half and half to the pot and stir.

Gradually add in 1.5 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of smoked gouda cheese, and 1 cup of colby jack cheese; mix until all cheeses are completely melted.

Lower the heat and add the spices: 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg; mix well.

Add salt to taste and stir.

Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta; ensure it is completely covered in the cheese sauce.

Transfer the mixture to a baking pan and top with additional colby jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese.

Bake in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

After 15 minutes, check on the mac and cheese; if it looks perfect, broil for an additional 5 minutes or until a golden crispy coat forms.

Sprinkle with parsley flakes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens