Mac and cheese

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and the best side on the dinner table! It’s so ooey and goeey on the inside and then perfectly golden and crispy on the outside – it’s the best of both worlds.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook a minute below al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2

Heat a saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook 2 to 3 minutes until it just starts to bubble and turns a yellow golden color.

Step 3

Pour in the heavy cream slowly and whisk continuously until smooth. Then add the minced garlic, cream cheese, dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, nutmeg, cayenne powder, and salt. Whisk together until smooth. Continue to cook the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes or until it thickens.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low or take off the heat and add the sharp cheddar, Colby jack, and smoked gouda. Whisk together until there are no more clumps and the sauce is completely smooth. Taste and adjust anything to your liking.

Step 5

Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it and toss it into the sauce immediately. Mix together in a large baking dish.

Step 6

Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then turn to broil for a few minutes just until the top is golden and crispy - make sure to monitor it closely.

Step 7

Top it off with chopped parsley or chives and grated parmesan and enjoy!