Saucepan@saucepan · Shared this recipeFollowAmerican · dinnerCreamy Baked Mac and CheeseA rich and creamy baked mac and cheese with a combination of cheddar and Gruyere, layered and baked until bubbly and golden.total35 minprep20 mincook15 minservings8Original recipe on thechunkychef.comKeep this recipeAdd a copy of Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese to your Saucepan library.Save to my libraryView in my librarySave it to your librarySign in to keep a copy you can scale, cook from and add to your grocery list.Sign in to saveGet the appSaucepan keeps all your recipes in one place, builds your grocery list and rings timers while you cook. Your account works on the website too.Android is coming soon.PrintCopy ingredientsAndroid is coming soon.Ingredients8 servingsBack to 8 servings1 lb dried elbow pasta0.5 cup unsalted butter0.5 cup all purpose flour1.5 cup whole milk2.5 cup half and half, **see chef tips #1 below**4 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese ), divided (measured after shredding2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese ), divided (measured after shredding0.5 tbsp salt0.5 tsp black pepper0.25 tsp paprika, smoked paprika is our favorite!StepsClear checksTap an ingredient or step to check it off.1Step 1: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 3 qt baking dish (9x13"). Set aside.2Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When boiling, add dried pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package directs for al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil to keep from sticking.3Step 3: While water is coming up to a boil, shred cheeses and toss together to mix, then divide into three piles. Approximately 3 cups for the sauce, 1 1/2 cups for the inner layer, and 1 1/2 cups for the topping.4Step 4: Melt butter in a large saucepan over MED heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine. Mixture will look like very wet sand. Cook for approximately 1 minute, whisking often. Slowly pour in about 2 cups or so of the half and half, while whisking constantly, until smooth. Slowly pour in the remaining half and half plus the whole milk, while whisking constantly, until combined and smooth.5Step 5: Continue to heat over MED heat, whisking very often, until thickened to a very thick consistency. It should almost be the consistency of a semi thinned out condensed soup.6Step 6: Remove from the heat and stir in spices and 1 1/2 cups of the cheeses, stirring to melt and combine. Stir in another 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and stir until completely melted and smooth.7Step 7: In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with cheese sauce, stirring to combine fully. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheeses, then top that with the remaining pasta mixture.8Step 8: Sprinkle the top with the last 1 1/2 cups of cheese and bake for 15 minutes, until cheesy is bubbly and lightly golden brown.getsaucepan.com/r/e6a2fcae-8e43-4d1b-8dbd-6c1c4416dece · Original: https://www.thechunkychef.com/family-favorite-baked-mac-and-cheese/