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Cheesy, Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese – Holiday Special!


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  • Author: Clara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

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