Ultimate 40-Minute Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Bliss
Ultra creamy baked mac and cheese with a stretchy cheese pull, perfect for a quick family favorite comfort food dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (warm)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, mustard, salt, pepper, then mix in cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère until fully melted.
- Combine the cooked pasta with cheese sauce, pour into a greased baking dish, and top with parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Cook pasta slightly underdone for the best texture after baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg