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Classic Baked Mac & Cheese

A warm, cheesy comfort food staple made with pasta and a rich cheddar cheese sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 16 ounces short pasta Use any type of short pasta like shells or elbows.
Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3.5 cups half & half Can substitute with whole milk.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 16 ounces medium yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 16 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded Reserve 1/3 for topping.
Topping (optional)
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers For a crunchy topping.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Melted, for the cracker topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Shred the cheeses and mix together. Set aside about 1/3 of the cheese for the top later.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions, for 1-2 minutes less than the full time given to keep it slightly chewy.
Sauce
  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Slowly whisk in the half & half. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, mixing well to combine.
  4. Stir in 2/3 of the shredded cheese until melted, then add the cooked pasta and mix to coat.
Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.
  2. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes, until melted and bubbly. Broil for an extra 1-2 minutes for a crispy top.
  3. Serve warm.
Cracker Topping (Optional)
  1. Crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter, sprinkle over the top before baking.

Notes

Can customize with additional meats or vegetables. Serve with green salad, grilled chicken, or garlic bread.