Mac and Cheese

Extra cheesy, rich flavor and baked to perfection this mac and cheese recipe is so to win over any cheese lover.    

I don’t think there is any denying how yummy Macaroni and Cheese is. It’s all warm and comforting, it can even bring back childhood memories. Yes, it’s amazing that way!

It’s great how the smell of Mac and Cheese baking in the oven can make everyone come into the kitchen asking, what’s baking? and When will the deliciousness be ready?

If you’re looking for a CREAMY Mac and Cheese Recipe check this one out!

 

Grate the cheese, and have everything ready to make putting this recipe together easily.

 

Prepare a roux in a medium skillet by melting the butter in the pan first then adding the flour to it and stirring it while the flour absorbs the butter and it no longer resembles raw flour.

Slowly add to it the cream and milk while mixing with a whisk on medium heat, stirring continually.

It will create a nice sauce. Add in the cayenne pepper and salt.

Stir in the grated cheeses.  Pour over the cooked pasta ( do not rinse pasta). You can serve it like this, but I like it baked, if you do too, place everything in a buttered casserole dish.

Bake at 425 degrees for 30-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

( I topped it off with 1/4 cup Romano Cheese before baking)

This is very cheesy Mac and Cheese, if you prefer it more “saucy” and less rich, add half the amount of cheese in the recipe, it’s still plenty cheesy and delicious.

If you prefer your mac and cheese crispier, place it under the broiler for a few minutes.

This is how my mom likes it, and I’ve should hurry and bring her this, after all, she’s been doing for me.

I am having her do a project for me that is turning out to be WAY more work than she thought.

I, of course, knew how much work it was going to be and that is why I’m not doing it…  besides, she is SO much BETTER on a sewing machine than me.

So I’m making her this… her favorite.

 

Mac and Cheese

This rich decadent baked mac and cheese recipe will win over any cheese lover.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 + servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow pasta
  • 2 cups Cheddar extra sharp
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese
  • 1 cup Jarlsburg Cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 cups cream
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk

Instructions

  • preheat oven to 425°
  • Cook pasta according to package directions to aldente, do not overcook pasta, or it will be mushier when baked in the sauce.
  • Grate all the cheeses.
  • Prepare a roux in a medium skillet by melting the butter in the pan first then adding the flour to it and stirring it while the flour absorbs the butter and it no longer resembles raw flour.
  • Slowly add to it the cream and milk while mixing with a whisk on medium heat, stirring continually.
  • It will create a nice sauce. Add in the cayenne pepper and salt.
  • Stir in the grated cheeses. Pour over the cooked pasta ( do not rinse pasta). You can serve it like this, but I like it baked, if you do too, place everything in a buttered casserole dish.
  • Bake at 425° degrees for 30-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • ( I topped it off with 1/4 cup Romano Cheese before baking)
  • This is very cheesy Mac and Cheese, if you prefer it more "saucy" and less rich, add half the amount of cheese in the recipe, it's still plenty cheesy and delicious.
  • ***If you prefer your mac and cheese, less thick and creamier, reduce the amount of cheese you add to half (1 cup Monterey Jack, 1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Jarlsburg or 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheese of your choice)
  • I make it both ways, some days I'm in an extra cheesy mood this recipe is great for that,
  • if I want a creamier mac and cheese I just use 2 to 2 1/2 cups cheese.
  • If you don't like it baked, don't bake it.

 

This is the decadent and rich mac and cheese recipe. I have others. This Creamy Mac and Cheese that is more of an everyday mac and cheese, made on the stove, not baked, creamy, and delicious.

25 Comments

  1. Oh, how I love a good bowl of mac n cheese! Both kids have become lactose intolerant in the last two years and if I make this it becomes all for me, so I haven’t made it in years. You’ve got me craving a big bowl though…. beautiful!!!

  2. Mm, nothing is better or more comforting than a big bowl of homemade mac and cheese. I agree with your mom, the crispy cheesy bits after baking are the best! I’ll definitely be trying out your recipe when I need a good homestyle mac and cheese 🙂

  3. It looks delicious, Diane! I prefer my mac n’ cheese baked too. It was my favorite meal as a kid and my mom made it for me every bday, so it conjures up a lot of sweet memories.
    I have no idea what project you have your mom doing, but if it involves sewing, it is definitely involved(I RARELY sew)! Is it an apron to match your new logo(which I love, by the way)?

    1. oh you guessed something a hadn’t even thought of. She was sewing a slip cover for a love seat, it’s just beautiful. I couldn’t wait to have it in my house again. about 8 years ago I helped her slipcover our family room furniture and it still looks beautiful today, lots of work though 🙂

    1. she made a slip cover for a love seat for me 🙂 it’s just beautiful. I LOVE that I get to pick the fabric. I have the fabric in my whole house.

    1. no sorry, it should be 350 thanks for bringing that to my attention, I adjusted the recipe to reflect the adjustment.

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