The Secret to Creamy 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: any pasta shape

More nutritious or versatile.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Boil water in a large pot and add elbow macaroni to cook until al dente.

Shred half of a 2-pound block of cheddar cheese (1 pound).

Melt 2 tablespoons of bacon fat and 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan.

Add flour gradually to the melted fat to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.

Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the thickened milk mixture and stir until fully incorporated.

Add 1 tablespoon of Creole seasoning to the cheese sauce and mix well.

Transfer the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix to combine.

Top with additional Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese before baking.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

For a darker texture, remove the foil and bake longer if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens