Many times, when you indulge in mac and cheese, it can be dry, sticky, and lacking in flavor. However, We have surpassed expectations by crafting a unique combination of cheeses and creating a creamy cheese sauce that will leave you enamored from the very first bite.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience as your taste buds encounter one of the most exceptional mac and cheese recipes you’ll ever have the pleasure of trying.
Duration: 25 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Budget: Affordable
Serving size: 4 servings
Calories: 300 kcals / portion
Ingredients
- 7 oz (200 g) American cheese (from your deli counter)
- 1 oz (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 oz (30 g) grated Romano cheese
- 3.5 oz (100 g) grated Colby-Jack cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk
- 8.8 oz (250 g) elbow macaroni pasta
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the American cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and melted.
- Add the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, stirring until well incorporated.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the heavy cream and evaporated milk, stirring continuously until you have a creamy and smooth sauce.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Colby-Jack cheese until fully melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
Tips
- Season to Taste: While the cheese sauce provides a lot of flavor, don’t be afraid to season your mac and cheese with additional spices or herbs. Adding a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of paprika, or some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the overall taste.
- Experiment with Cheese Combinations: Feel free to get creative with the cheese selection. Try mixing different types of cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, or Fontina with the traditional cheeses mentioned in the recipe. This can add complexity and depth to the flavor profile of your mac and cheese.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For some extra texture, consider topping your mac and cheese with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crispy bacon bits. Toast the topping separately before sprinkling it over the dish, and then broil the mac and cheese for a minute or two to achieve a golden and crispy crust.
- Customize with Mix-ins: Make your mac and cheese even more enticing by incorporating mix-ins such as cooked bacon, sautéed onions, roasted vegetables, or diced ham. These additions can provide added layers of flavor and texture, making each bite more exciting.
This creamy Mac and Cheese should yield a delicious portion of creamy and flavorful mac and cheese. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your preferences and add additional seasonings such as black pepper, dry mustard, or herbs to customize your dish. Enjoy your meal!