The Secret To Make A Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe| Thanksgiving side Dish

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheddar cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheddar reduces calories while processed cheese melts better.

monterey jack cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: colby cheese

Part-skim mozzarella is lower in fat, while colby is often less expensive.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories, while sour cream is often cheaper.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

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

Boil water in a pot and add salt and chicken bouillon.

Add 16 oz of elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook until al dente.

Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.

In a saucepan, melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and cook to remove raw flour taste.

Pour in whole milk while stirring to avoid lumps.

Add cream cheese to the milk mixture for creaminess.

Add a little sour cream for flavor.

Season the cheese sauce with Creole seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and chicken bouillon.

Stir in sharp cheddar cheese, Colby Jack cheese, and Gouda cheese into the sauce, adding more cheese as desired.

Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well, adding more cheese if needed.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with more cheese.

Sprinkle paprika on top for garnish.

Bake in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens