A foolproof baked mac & cheese| easy | simple recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: colby cheese

Colby cheese is often less expensive and melts well.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Margarine is often less expensive than butter.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Provolone can be a cost-effective alternative.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions for 1 minute less than recommended.

In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter and whisk in 2/3 cup of flour to create a roux.

Gradually add 5 cups of warm milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring until the mixture thickens.

Season the sauce with 1.5 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce (if using).

Stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups of gruyere cheese, and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.

In a separate bowl, mix 1.5 cups of Panko with 5 tablespoons of melted butter and 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the pasta.

Bake until the top is golden and crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens