Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe EASY & CHEESY | Ultimate Comfort Food

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

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

monterey jack cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: colby cheese

Part-skim mozzarella is lighter, while colby is often more affordable.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

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

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.

Add cheddar cheese and monterey jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

Season the cheese sauce with mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with paprika and a little melted butter; sprinkle over the macaroni.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens