A delicious baked macaroni dish featuring a creamy blend of cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses, seasoned to perfection.
60 minutes
A delicious baked macaroni dish featuring a creamy blend of cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses, seasoned to perfection.
Elbow Macaroni
0 oz
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
cups
Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
cups
cups
cups
cups
teaspoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
Dry Mustard
teaspoons
1. Preheat Oven and Grease Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish to ensure an easy release later.
2. Cook Macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling, salted water until it’s al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Cheese Sauce Base
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter starts bubbling, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a smooth, golden roux.
4. Add Milk to Roux
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
5. Season Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dry mustard.
6. Add Cheeses to Sauce
Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses have melted into a smooth, velvety sauce.
7. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with additional shredded cheese if desired.
8. Bake Macaroni
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Combine different types of cheese such as Gruyère, fontina, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a complex, depth of flavor.
Add cooked, diced bacon, shredded chicken, or lobster meat into the cheese sauce before baking for a heartier dish.
While keeping cheddar and Colby Jack as the base, introduce another cheese such as smoked gouda, sharp provolone, or a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Incorporate a small amount of truffle oil or finely grated truffle into the cheese sauce for a luxurious twist.
Mix in caramelized onions for a sweet and savory depth of flavor. They pair wonderfully with the creaminess of the cheese.
The cheese is the star of this dish, so opt for a good aged cheddar for depth of flavor and a creamy Colby Jack for smoothness. Grate your cheese fresh rather than buying pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents that can affect meltability and flavor.
For a creamy sauce, start with a classic roux (equal parts butter and flour) cooked until blonde, then whisk in warm milk and add cheese gradually.
Use sturdy pasta like elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells. Cook your pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Season your sauce well with salt, black pepper, and consider a hint of mustard powder or nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
For a crunchy top, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated parmesan cheese and spread over your macaroni before baking.
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