As the holidays approach, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dish to bring everyone together.
One such dish that never fails to impress is a classic, creamy, and cheesy mac & cheese.
Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home, this mac & cheese recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow pasta
- 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese:
Shred all the cheeses.
This step is crucial—using pre-shredded cheese is not recommended as it contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
3. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt.
Once the water is boiling, add the elbow pasta and cook it for one minute less than the package instructions for al dente.
This ensures the pasta won’t become too soft after baking.
Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and coat it with a little bit of oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
4. Make the Roux:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
This step is important for thickening the sauce.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy whipping cream while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Season the Sauce:
Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly.
To test if the sauce is ready, coat the back of a spoon with the sauce and run your finger through it—if it leaves a trail, it’s done.
6. Add the Cheese:
Remove the sauce from the heat and add in 8 oz of Colby Jack cheese, 8 oz of Monterey Jack cheese, and 8 oz of sharp cheddar cheese.
Whisk until the cheese is completely melted into the sauce.
Taste the sauce and add more salt if necessary.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix well to ensure all the noodles are coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle half of the remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the pasta.
8. Assemble and Bake:
Add the rest of the pasta to the dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese.
Bake the mac & cheese in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese crust is bubbly and golden brown.
Be careful not to over-bake, as this can make the pasta mushy.
9. Rest and Serve:
Allow the mac & cheese to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and delicious mac & cheese!
This mac & cheese recipe is sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings or any time you’re craving a comforting, cheesy dish.
The combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack cheeses creates a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender pasta.
Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home!