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Baked Mac Cheese
Bakeanna

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

Discover the versatility of Mac and Cheese with a baked twist that takes it to a whole new level! Baked mac and cheese, especially when topped with Panko, is my absolute favorite, and here's why – the topping! Elevate your experience as Parmesan, butter, and paprika mingle with Panko, creating a crispy, golden brown layer that adds irresistible texture to this amazing homemade mac and cheese. Get ready to savor each delightful bite!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 SERVINGS
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g macaroni
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 150 g cream cheese
  • 4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 8 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1/2 cup pasta water
  • 230 g shredded gouda cheese
  • 230 g shredded yellow cheddar cheese
  • 230 g shredded white cheddar cheese

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan, add in the heavy cream, cream cheese, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and mix. Let it simmer for a bit.
  2. In another saucepan, add in the butter, chopped onion, mined garlic, flour and whisk them well. Add in the heavy cream sauce to this mixture and whisk well.
  3. Add some pasta water, cheddar cheese and gouda cheese. Mix until melted.
  4. Add in the cooked pasta and mix well.
  5. Add in the pasta in the baking dish and top with extra cheese.
  6. Bake at 180 degrees until top is golden brown.

Notes

  1. Cook the pasta to a perfect al dente to avoid mushy noodles.
  2. Shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheeses have additives that can keep them from clumping, which also makes it so they don’t melt smoothly.
  3. Remove the sauce from the heat before adding the cheese to keep it from separating or getting grainy.
  4. Do not overbake (or the mac and cheese will be dry). Once the macaroni is bubbling and heated and the topping is browned, you know it is ready. Everything is cooked, the baking is to meld the flavors and brown the topping.
  5. Mac and cheese can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.