From the Cook
1/2
Ultimate Mac and Cheese Bake
Instructions
1
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Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2
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In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3
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Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4
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Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
5
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Lower the heat and add Gouda, Fontina, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesan, and Velveeta. Stir until all cheeses are fully melted.
6
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Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss until evenly coated. Add more pasta water if needed.
7
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Transfer to an oven-safe dish and top with extra shredded cheese of your choice.
8
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Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9
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Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Cheese Melting Magic 🧀Grate your own cheese blend instead of using pre-shredded varieties, as freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and prevents the grainy texture caused by anti-caking agents.
- Pasta Water Wizardry 💧Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining - the starchy liquid helps create a silkier, more cohesive cheese sauce and can be used to adjust consistency if needed.
- Seasoning Symphony 🌶️Toast your garlic and onion powders in the butter for 30 seconds before adding cream to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles in your mac and cheese base.
- Crispy Topping Technique 🔥For the ultimate golden crust, finish the mac and cheese under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning and achieve that perfect crispy top.
- Cheese Layering Mastery 🧈Layer your cheeses strategically - use Velveeta for creaminess, sharp Cheddar for flavor, and Gouda or Fontina for depth, creating a multi-dimensional cheese experience.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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