BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F (conventional)

Step 2

Boil the macaroni following box instructions to reach al dente. Strain and set aside

Step 3

Shred the cheeses and set aside, keeping the cheeses for the sauce separate from the cheeses for layering

Step 4

Melt the butter in a nonstick pan at medium heat. Add flour and mix until it becomes golden and fragrant. Then add the salt and spices, and stir for one minute

Step 5

Add the milk, cream, and cream cheese. Whisk to combine and cook until the mixture comes to a boil. Turn off the heat

Step 6

Add 1 cup each of the shredded cheeses, a little at a time, and stir until they melt in

Step 7

Add the boiled macaroni and stir in. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed

Step 8

Take a casserole / ceramic baking dish; I use a 7x11" dish. Add half of the Mac And Cheese mixture and spread it out. Sprinkle over half of the cheese mixture that was set aside for layering. Cover with the remaining Mac And Cheese, and then sprinkle over all the remaining cheese

Step 9

Garnish with the chopped parsley and lightly dust with paprika

Step 10

Place the dish in the pre-heated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted. Broil for just a few minutes so the cheese on top is golden

Step 11

Serve and enjoy!