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Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

This Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe features a rich blend of sharp cheddar, Colby jack, gouda, and mozzarella cheeses combined with a luscious heavy cream sauce, baked to bubbly perfection with a golden, broiled cheese topping. Perfectly cooked macaroni noodles are layered with the creamy cheese sauce for an indulgent and comforting dish that’s great for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1.5 box (24 oz) macaroni noodles (cavatappi noodles can be used as an alternative)

Cheese

  • 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 16 oz Colby jack cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 oz gouda, freshly grated
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 oz cream cheese (optional)

Liquids & Fats

  • 6 cups heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp salted butter

Seasonings

  • 2 tsp chicken bouillon (to flavor pasta water)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp adobo seasoning

Instructions

  1. Grate the Cheeses: Grate all cheeses using the large shredder attachment and set aside. Save any small pieces that are too small to grate for later use.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions, adding chicken bouillon to the boiling water to enhance flavor. Drain well.
  3. Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a large sauce pot, melt butter over low heat. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth and combined.
  4. Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings: Slowly add about half of the shredded cheeses into the cream mixture. Stir continuously until the cheeses are melted and fully blended. Add cream cheese last, allowing it to melt and the sauce to simmer gently on low heat. Season with salt, onion powder, ground mustard, white pepper, and adobo. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce, adding any reserved small chunks of cheese. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy and slightly wet mixture that makes a satisfying sound when mixed.
  6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer half of the noodle mixture into a 13×9 baking dish. Layer with a light coating of cheese sauce and a portion of the shredded cheese mix. Add the remaining noodles and finish by topping with a generous layer of shredded cheese, using extra sharp cheddar or Colby jack as desired.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is heated through, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  8. Broil for Topping: Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a golden brown, bubbly cheese crust on top. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Using a combination of cheeses contributes to depth of flavor and excellent meltability.
  • Cream cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess to the sauce.
  • Chicken bouillon added to the pasta water boosts the overall savory taste.
  • Reserve small chunks of cheese for extra cheesy pockets within the pasta.
  • Broiling at the end creates a beautifully browned and crispy cheese top layer.
  • Use a 13×9 inch baking dish as specified for proper layering and baking.
  • Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe/