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Baked Mac and Cheese

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 484kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream you can sub whole half-and-half or whole milk
  • 2 cups half-and-half you can sub whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Fontina cheese
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese
  • 8 cups water salted
  • 3/4 pound elbow macaroni you can use the full pound just won't be as much sauce
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350. Prepare a 9×13-inch oven-proof casserole dish. Be sure to spray down the inside of the baking dish with oil or melt two tablespoons of butter and spread around the bottom and sides of your dish. 
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, add cream, half-and-half and 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the seasonings and flour. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth, 1-2 minutes. 
  • Add all of your cheese and whisk together, reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk until all of the cheese has melted. Keep cheese over low or warm heat while you prepare your noodles.
  • Using a large pot or Dutch oven, add 8 cups of water + a sprinkle of salt and bring to boil. Put in the pasta and cook per package directions.
  • Drain noodles and pour them into the sauce. Stir until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, and then stir them into the noodles and sauce until you cannot see them anymore.
  • Pour the pasta/sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with paprika. 
  • Bake for 30 – 40 minutes. I prefer a nice golden crust, so I bake the whole time, whereas my kids like it the other way, so I will only bake it for 25-30 minutes. You can also choose to not bake it and serve it super saucy - just don't add the eggs.
  • Let it stand 5-10 minutes before serving. 

Nutrition

Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 727mg | Potassium: 193mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1133IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 509mg | Iron: 1mg