The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese – Cheesy, Creamy & Crunchy

Jerk Tavern

Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food. It has graced dinner tables for generations. Its creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy, golden topping make it a favorite of kids and adults. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family dinners. It's great when you crave the creamiest mac and cheese.

4.92 from 12 votes

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Caribbean, Jamaican

Servings

Calories 8771 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb box elbow macaroni (uncooked)
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese , shredded (divided)
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (New York)
3 cups monterey jack cheese , shredded (divided)
3 cups colby jack cheese , shredded (divided)
2 cup mozzarella cheese , shredded (divided)
2 cups gruyère , shredded (divided)
2 cups evaporated milk
2 cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
1 cup butter
2-3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Flavor Boosters

½ tsp paprika , to taste
1 tbsp black pepper , to taste
1 tsp dry mustard , optional but recommended
1 tsp Complete Seasoning , to taste
1 tsp adobo , to taste
1 tsp salt , to taste
¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Fresh scallion , for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Grate the cheese. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

Season the pasta water with 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp adobo, 1 tsp complete seasoning.
Cook the macaroni until al dente. Avoid overcooking the pasta since it will cook further in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft. Stir in the flour, creating a roux, and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Reduce the heat and add half of the cheeses. Stir in the seasonings, like paprika and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated. Pour half into the greased dish. Sprinkle with the cheese. Add breadcrumbs for crunch, if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or scallions. Enjoy your mac and cheese as a main or side dish!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 10gCalories: 8771kcalCarbohydrates: 121gProtein: 429gFat: 736gSaturated Fat: 445gPolyunsaturated Fat: 26gMonounsaturated Fat: 192gTrans Fat: 7gCholesterol: 2171mgSodium: 13849mgPotassium: 3268mgFiber: 4gSugar: 61gVitamin A: 22268IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 12627mgIron: 12mg

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