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Creamiest Mac and Cheese
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Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
55 minutes
Total Time:
75 minutes
Indulge in decadent homemade mac and cheese with a rich, creamy texture - a comforting and budget-friendly dish that far surpasses any store-bought version.
Ingredients:
  • cooking spray
  • 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 0.333 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 3.5 cups whole milk, or more to taste
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook macaroni for 5 to 6 minutes while stirring occasionally, then drain and set aside.
  • Hand shred or use a food processor to prepare Cheddar cheese; set aside.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook until smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add mustard powder followed by 3 ½ cups of milk. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
  • Stir in cream cheese until luxuriously thick and smooth, cooking for about 5 minutes. Season with remaining 1 ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and cayenne.
  • Combine 2 cups of shredded Cheddar into the mixture. Allow the cheese to melt as you turn off the heat. Gently fold in the cooked macaroni. Optionally, incorporate up to ¼ cup of milk to adjust the consistency.
  • Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of Cheddar on top. Add the rest of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle the remaining Cheddar on top.
  • Bake until golden and bubbly in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

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