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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 350  F
Servings: 8
Calories: 610
Description

This rich, creamy mac and cheese casserole is packed with bold flavors and a mix of cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Layers of gooey pasta and melted cheese make this a dish that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients
  • 4 cups heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 onion or shallot, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cups 1.5 reserved pasta water
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar, grated
  • 8 oz Gruyère, grated
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack, grated
  • Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1
    In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2
    Stir frequently until cream cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer while preparing the pasta.
  3. 3
    Cook macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1.5 cups of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
  4. 4
    In the same pot used for the pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
  5. 5
    Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  6. 6
    Pour the cream sauce into the roux mixture. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  7. 7
    Slowly add the grated cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until all cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. 8
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. 9
    In a casserole dish, layer half of the macaroni and cheese mixture, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top.
  10. 10
    Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with another layer of cheese.
  11. 11
    Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F until cheese is bubbly. Switch the oven to broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully until the top is golden.
  12. 12
    Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped chives. Serve hot!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 ServingCalories:610kcalTotal Carbohydrate:42gDietary Fiber: 2gSugars: 3gProtein:19g

Keywords: mac and cheese, mac and cheese casserole