Description
Looking for the perfect comfort food to wow your guests this holiday season? Cheesy, Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the answer! A rich and velvety dish, packed with the bold flavors of cheddar and mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. This indulgent recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a holiday favorite. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup milk of choice (whole, 2%, or alt)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente (tender but firm).
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Coat the Pasta with Butter:
- While still hot, stir in 4 tablespoons of salted butter until melted, coating the pasta evenly.
- Prepare the Milk and Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, milk of choice, eggs, and garlic salt until smooth.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In another bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Layer the Mac and Cheese:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Add a third of the buttered macaroni to the dish, followed by a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat twice to create three layers, finishing with a generous cheese topping.
- Pour the Milk Mixture:
- Carefully pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the layered macaroni and cheese.
- Add Paprika and Bake:
- Sprinkle the paprika over the top (optional).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
- Let it Cool Before Serving:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes to set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot, pairing with your favorite sides or as a standalone dish.
Notes
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the creamiest results, shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure the pasta is al dente to avoid it becoming too soft during baking.
- Customize the Cheese: Mix in gouda, gruyere, or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to spice things up.
- Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, top with breadcrumbs mixed with butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American