From scratch baked mac n cheese

Why families will love this recipe

This baked mac and cheese recipe is great for families with kids because it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that even picky eaters love. It can double as a main meal or a side. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time or freeze leftovers for busy nights.

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It’s easy to customize by mixing in cooked veggies or protein for a full meal. We like adding cooked broccoli or shredded, cooked chicken.

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Instructions:

• Preheat the oven
  
  • Set the oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 9x13” baking dish. Set it aside so it’s ready when you are.

• Boil the pasta
  
  • Fill a big pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
  • Once it’s bubbling, add your dry pasta and cook it for just a minute less than what the package says for "al dente."
  • Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking while you prep everything else.

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• Prep the cheese
  
  • While the water is heating, shred both cheeses and mix it together.
  • Divide it into four piles: about 1/ ½ cups for part 1 of the sauce, 1½ cups for part 2 of the sauce, 1½ cups for the middle layer, and another 1½ cups for the cheesy topping.

• Make the creamy sauce
  
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it together. It’ll look like wet sand.
  • Cook it for about a minute, whisking often.
  • Slowly whisk in about 2 cups of half-and-half until smooth.
  • Add the rest of the half-and-half and all the milk, whisking constantly.
  • Keep whisking and cooking the sauce over medium heat until it thickens.

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• Cheesy time!
  
  • Take the sauce off the heat and stir in your salt, pepper, paprika, and the first 1½ cups of cheese. The cheese should melt as it gets mixed.
  • Add another 1½ cups of cheese and stir until it’s smooth and creamy.

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• Mix it all together
  
  • In a big bowl, combine the cooked pasta with your dreamy cheesy sauce.
  • Pour half the cheesy pasta into your baking dish.
  • Sprinkle 1½ cups of cheese into the middle layer, then layer the rest of the pasta mixture on top.
  • Finish it off by sprinkling the final 1½ cups of cheese over the top layer.

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• Bake
  
  • Bake for about 15 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden on top. If you prefer a crispy top, switch the oven to broil and broil for another 3-5 minutes at the end. 
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’ll be gooey and perfect for family mealtime!