Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese: Difference between revisions
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=Ingredients= | ==Ingredients== | ||
=Full Recipe= | |||
'''1''' lb. dried elbow pasta<br> | '''1''' lb. dried elbow pasta<br> | ||
'''<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>''' cup unsalted butter<br> | '''<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>''' cup unsalted butter<br> | ||
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'''<sup>1</sup>/<sub>4</sub>''' tsp. paprika<br> | '''<sup>1</sup>/<sub>4</sub>''' tsp. paprika<br> | ||
=Half Recipe= | |||
<sup>'''1'''</sup>'''/<sub>2</sub>''' lb. dried elbow pasta<br> | <sup>'''1'''</sup>'''/<sub>2</sub>''' lb. dried elbow pasta<br> | ||
<sup>'''1'''</sup>'''/<sub>4</sub>''' cup unsalted butter<br> | <sup>'''1'''</sup>'''/<sub>4</sub>''' cup unsalted butter<br> | ||
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'''Cook''' for approximately '''''1 minute''''', whisking often.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | '''Cook''' for approximately '''''1 minute''''', whisking often.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | ||
'''Slowly pour''' in about '''2 cups or so''' of the '''''half and half''''', while '''whisking constantly''', until smooth.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | '''Slowly pour''' in about <big>'''{2 cups or so (for FULL) 1 cup or so (for HALF)}'''</big> of the '''''half and half''''', while '''whisking constantly''', until smooth.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | ||
'''Slowly pour''' in the '''''remaining half and half''''' and the '''''whole milk''''', while '''whisking constantly''', until combined and smooth.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | '''Slowly pour''' in the '''''remaining half and half''''' and the '''''whole milk''''', while '''whisking constantly''', until combined and smooth.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | ||
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Continue to '''heat''' over '''''medium''''' heat, '''whisking very often''', until thickened to a '''''very thick consistency'''''. It should almost be the consistency of a ''semi thinned out condensed soup''.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | Continue to '''heat''' over '''''medium''''' heat, '''whisking very often''', until thickened to a '''''very thick consistency'''''. It should almost be the consistency of a ''semi thinned out condensed soup''.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | ||
'''Remove''' from the '''''heat''''' and '''stir''' in spices ('''''salt, black pepper & paprika''''') and '''1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups''' of the '''''cheeses''''', '''stirring to melt and combine'''.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | '''Remove''' from the '''''heat''''' and '''stir''' in spices ('''''salt, black pepper & paprika''''') and <big>'''{1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups (for FULL) 3/4 cup (for HALF)}'''</big> of the '''''cheeses''''', '''stirring to melt and combine'''.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | ||
'''Stir''' in another '''1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups''' of '''''cheese''''', and '''stir''' until '''''completely melted and smooth'''''.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | '''Stir''' in another <big>'''{1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups (for FULL) 3/4 cup (for HALF)}'''</big> of '''''cheese''''', and '''stir''' until '''''completely melted and smooth'''''.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | ||
In a large mixing bowl, '''combine''' '''''drained pasta''''' with '''''cheese sauce''''', stirring to combine fully.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | In a large mixing bowl, '''combine''' '''''drained pasta''''' with '''''cheese sauce''''', stirring to combine fully.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | ||
'''Pour half''' of the '''''pasta mixture''''' into the ''prepared baking dish''. '''Top''' with '''1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups''' of shredded cheeses, then '''top''' that with the '''''remaining pasta mixture'''''.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | '''Pour half''' of the '''''pasta mixture''''' into the ''prepared baking dish''. '''Top''' with <big>'''{1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups (for FULL) 3/4 cup (for HALF)}'''</big> of shredded cheeses, then '''top''' that with the '''''remaining pasta mixture'''''.<nowiki><br></nowiki> | ||
'''Sprinkle''' the top with the last '''1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups''' of '''''cheese''''' and '''bake''' for '''''15 minutes''''', until cheesy is bubbly and lightly golden brown. | '''Sprinkle''' the top with the last <big>'''{1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups (for FULL) 3/4 cup (for HALF)}'''</big> of '''''cheese''''' and '''bake''' for '''''15 minutes''''', until cheesy is bubbly and lightly golden brown. | ||
=Notes= | =Notes= | ||
# Please feel free to add additional seasonings per your tastes, this is a base recipe that you can change up to make your own. Garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, and hot sauce are some favorites of ours to add. | #Please feel free to add additional seasonings per your tastes, this is a base recipe that you can change up to make your own. Garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, and hot sauce are some favorites of ours to add. | ||
# To get the 4 cups of cheddar, use a 16 oz block of cheddar and shred. | #To get the 4 cups of cheddar, use a 16 oz block of cheddar and shred. | ||
# To get the 2 cups of gruyere, use as close to an 8 oz block of gruyere as you can (different brands have different sized blocks), and shred. | #To get the 2 cups of gruyere, use as close to an 8 oz block of gruyere as you can (different brands have different sized blocks), and shred. | ||
=Mac and Cheese can be made ahead= | =Mac and Cheese can be made ahead= | ||
* Make as directed (but do not bake), transfer to baking dish and cool completely. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate 1-2 days ahead. | *Make as directed (but do not bake), transfer to baking dish and cool completely. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate 1-2 days ahead. | ||
* Before baking, let dish sit on counter for 30 minutes. | *Before baking, let dish sit on counter for 30 minutes. | ||
* Bake at recipe temperature for 25-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly. | *Bake at recipe temperature for 25-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly. | ||
=5 Cheese Variation= | =5 Cheese Variation= | ||
Replace cheese amounts with the following: | Replace cheese amounts with the following: | ||
* 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded | |||
* 1 cup Colby cheese, shredded | *2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded | ||
* 1 cup Muenster cheese, shredded | *1 cup Colby cheese, shredded | ||
* 1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups Gruyere cheese, shredded | *1 cup Muenster cheese, shredded | ||
* <sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cup mozzarella cheese, shredded | *1<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cups Gruyere cheese, shredded | ||
*<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> cup mozzarella cheese, shredded | |||
=For A Crunchier Topping And Firmer Consistency= | =For A Crunchier Topping And Firmer Consistency= | ||