Best Baked Mac and Cheese
A classic comfort food dish that combines tender pasta with a cheese and is cooked to perfection, this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is creamy and full of flavor.
Equipment
- 1 8qt Mixing Bowl
- 1 9x13 Baking Dish (Pyrex recommended)
- 1 5qt Pot
- 1 Cooking Spoon for Stirring/Mixing
- 1 Hand Grater or Food Processor
- 1 Colander
- Measuring Cups/Spoons
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Large Elbow Macaroni
- 1/2 TBSP Iodized Salt (to pasta water)
- 8 Oz Shredded Sharp Cheddar
- 8 Oz Shredded Gouda Cheese
- 8 Oz Shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
- 8 Oz Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 Cup Evaporated Milk
- 1/2 Cup Melted Unsalted Butter
- 4 TBSP Softened Cream Cheese
- 2 Extra Large Eggs
- 1 1/4 TBSP Garlic Powder
- 1 1/4 TBSP Onion Powder
- 1 TSP Ground Mustard
- 1/2 TSP Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 TSP Ground Paprika
- 1/2 TSP Iodized Salt
- Paprika for Garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add 8 cups of water to 5qt pot and warm on high heat until boiling.
- Add 1/2 TBSP iodized salt to boiling water and add elbow macaroni noodles, boiling for approx. 7-9 minutes or until al dente.***
- While macaroni noodles are cooking, shred blocks of cheese using food processor or hand grater (if using pre-shredded cheese, skip this step).
- Remove macaroni noodles from heat and drain in colander, then immediately transfer to large mixing bowl while breaking up any clumps.
- Preheat Oven to 350*F
- Crack eggs into small bowl and lightly beat for 15 seconds.
- Add butter, evaporated milk,, cream cheese and heavy whipping cream one at a time and stir after adding each ingredient until well combined with the macaroni noodles.
- Add sharp cheddar, gouda and monterey jack cheeses to bowl with macaroni noodles and stir after adding each cheese until well blended with the macaroni noodles.
- Add beaten eggs to bowl with macaroni & cheese and mix until well combined.
- Add herbs/spices to bowl with the mac & cheese then mix until well blended.
- Pour mac and cheese into baking dish and top with mild cheddar cheese until fully covered.
- Bake in oven uncovered for 35-40 minutes***
- Remove from oven and allow to cool 10-15 minutes before serving
To ensure the noodles don't get too cold, be sure to add/blend these ingredients to the mixing bowl in quick succession of each other
Video
Notes
***This recipe was tested using an electric stove & oven. Exact cook times may vary slightly if using an induction stovetop or gas range.
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