Baked Mac N Cheese

A rich and creamy mac and cheese dish with a blend of American, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, topped with a crunchy crust. Perfectly baked until golden.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2

Boil Macaroni according to box directions or personal preference. Drain, rinse and fold in 4T butter (while it’s still hot). Set aside. Save a bit of pasta water.

Step 3

In a saucepan, melt the remaining 4T butter, stir in onion, garlic, paprika, cayenne, and flour.

Step 4

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, and pasta water, then slowly start adding half and half, allowing it to be mixed in before adding more. Simmer until the roux begins to thicken.

Step 5

Add cream cheese, stir until melted and incorporated.

Step 6

Add half of your American and half of your cheddar, stir until melted and incorporated. Now throw the rest of the American and Cheddar and Gruyere in and stir until melted and incorporated.

Step 7

Once all of this has been cooked into a smooth, creamy sauce, fold it into your pasta and stir gently to mix thoroughly.

Step 8

In a 9X13 oven safe dish, pour half of your pasta mixture and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 9

Sprinkle your mozzarella or jack evenly across the top of the mac mixture in the dish.

Step 10

Pour the remaining macaroni mixture on top and spread out evenly.

Step 11

Course-crush the crackers and completely coat the top of the macaroni.

Step 12

Sprinkle (not cover) the top with grated sharp cheddar.

Step 13

Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.