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Creamy Mac and Cheese (Baked & Stovetop Options)

A rich, creamy mac and cheese offering two ways to enjoy it: stovetop for quick comfort or baked for a golden, bubbly topping. A perfect blend of cheeses and creamy sauce for ultimate comfort food.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 498
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Sauce:
  • 1 lb 450g elbow macaroni
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk divided
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Colby cheese
  • 1 tsp mustard powder optional
  • ½ tsp garlic powder optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Baked Option:
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese additional for topping
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs optional for crust

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish (for baked option)
  • Cheese grater
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

Stovetop Option:
  1. Bring salted water to boil, cook macaroni until al dente (about 7-8 mins), drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux; cook 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
  3. Gradually add 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Cook and whisk until sauce thickens (5-7 mins), then stir in remaining milk if needed to desired consistency.
  5. Add mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in shredded cheeses until melted and sauce is creamy.
  6. Add cooked pasta, stir well to coat. Serve warm immediately.
Baked Option:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 3 qt (9x13 inch) baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni as above but drain 1 minute before al dente. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare cheese sauce as above (steps 2-5).
  4. Combine pasta with half the cheese sauce; pour half into the baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and then layer the remaining pasta mixture.
  6. Top with remaining cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
  7. Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For richer flavor, use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella or Gruyere. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
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