R&R’s Easy Homemade Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulge yourself and company with this homemade creamy baked mac and cheese recipe

Homemade Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 1 lb. cavatappi pasta
•  4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
• 6-8 cups of your favorite cheese – we used:
  • 2-3 cups of freshly shredded smoked gouda (not aged)
  • 1 cup of freshly shredded mozzarella
  • 3-4 cups of a white cheddar and Monterey Jack blend 
  • 6 slices of your favorite cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika (or paprika)
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Homemade Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Directions

Cooking the pasta

• Generously fill a medium-large pot with water and several pinches of salt, bring to a rapid boil 
• Add pasta to boiling water and cover
  • Look at the recommended cooking time on your box – cook pasta 1-2 minutes under the suggested al dente cooking time (it will finish cooking in the oven)
• Once pasta is slightly under al dente, drain with a strainer and rinse pasta with cold water – set aside while making cheese sauce

Making the roux and cheese sauce

• In a separate large pot, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat and melt
• Once butter is melted, gradually add 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, continuously whisk
  • Cook for approximately 1 minute, or until texture is silky-smooth
• Slowly pour in 2.5 cups of chilled whole milk, continue to whisk
• Pour in 1.5 cups of chilled heavy cream, continue to whisk
• Add spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, salt and pepper), continue whisking over medium heat until mixture slightly thickens, then remove from heat
• Gradually add shredded cheese, continuously stir while cheese melts
  • We add 1.5-2 cups at a time – cheese sauce will thicken; 6-7 cups in total – set aside remaining cheese

Assembling and baking the mac and cheese

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
• Transfer drained pasta from strainer into large pot of cheese sauce, mix well
• Carefully pour half of the mac and cheese into a large oven-safe pan, spread evenly on bottom layer
• Add more of the set aside shredded cheese on top of the bottom layer of mac and cheese
• Carefully add remaining mac and cheese, spread evenly
• Top the pan of mac and cheese with remaining shredded cheese and slices of your favorite cheese, wait for oven to reach temperature before adding pan
• Once oven reaches temperature, transfer pan of mac and cheese to middle rack, bake for 15-25 minutes, or until top becomes crispy and golden-brown
  • Tip: If you like your baked mac and cheese extra crispy (the R&R way), broil on low for the remaining 1-3 minutes – be sure to check frequently to prevent burning!
• Remove mac and cheese from oven, let cool, and serve to enjoy! 

Looking for a delicious homemade dessert to compliment your baked mac and cheese? Click on the text to view our homemade key lime pie recipeAMP!