Ultra Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe 🧀

Ingredients

Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• Water for boiling

• 1 tsp salt

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2½ cups milk (warm)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp paprika

Topping

• 1 cup mozzarella

• ½ cup cheddar

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Optional: breadcrumbs for crunch

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

1. Bring salted water to boil.

2. Add macaroni and cook 1–2 minutes less than package instructions.

3. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the cheese sauce

1. Melt butter in a pan on medium heat.

2. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes (this makes a roux).

3. Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking constantly.

4. Add heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens.

3. Add cheese

Lower heat and add:

• cheddar

• mozzarella

• parmesan

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Combine pasta and sauce

Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until fully coated.

5. Assemble

1. Pour into a baking dish.

2. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and cheddar on top.

3. Add black pepper or breadcrumbs.

6. Bake

Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

For a browned top, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

Tips for Super Stretchy Cheese 🧀

Use a mix of:

• Mozzarella (for stretch)

• Cheddar (for flavor)

• Parmesan (for richness)

Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged.

Common Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Why is my mac and cheese grainy?

Cheese can separate if:

• heat is too high

• pre-shredded cheese is used

Always melt cheese on low heat.

Q2: Can I make it without baking?

Yes. Just mix pasta with the sauce and serve as creamy stovetop mac and cheese.

Q3: How do I make it even creamier?

Add:

• extra ½ cup cream

• or cream cheese

Q4: What cheeses work best?

Great combinations:

• Cheddar + Mozzarella

• Gruyere + Cheddar

• Mozzarella + Monterey Jack

Q5: Can I add meat?

Yes, try:

• crispy bacon

• shredded chicken

• ground beef

Q6: How long does it last?

• Fridge: 3–4 days

• Freezer: 2 months

Reheat with a little milk to keep it creamy.