Homestyle Mac and Cheese
The most epic comfort food is a homestyle baked macaroni and cheese. A smooth and silky cheese sauce with elbow noodles, then topped with more cheese and smoked paprika for that classic broiled topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
5 cups shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese
3 cups light cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Topping
Smoked paprika
1 and 1/2 cups shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Bring a salted pot of water to boil, and cook the macaroni according to box instructions. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish.
2. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce by melting the butter and whisking in the flour, cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the light cream and whisk so the roux fully blends into the cream. Cook over medium for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken.
4. Reduce the heat to low, add in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard. Then whisk in the 5 cups of cheese a little at a time.
5. Pour the cooked and drained noodles into the cheese sauce, then pour into the baking dish. Top with the extra cheese and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil on high until the top is browned and bubbly.