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Baked Mac and Cheese with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 70 reviews

This creamy, comforting Mac and Cheese recipe combines elbow macaroni with a blend of American and sharp cheddar cheeses, baked to perfection in a rich cream sauce. The method involves baking the pasta and cheese together in one dish, creating a gooey, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Mac and Cheese Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
  • 16 oz American cheese (block)
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for the viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe to ensure you have everything ready before starting.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
  3. Assemble Pasta and Cheese: Place the block of American cheese in the center of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Arrange the uncooked elbow macaroni around the cheese in the pan.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the heavy cream evenly over the pasta to cover it well, then add the water. Sprinkle the salt and ground black pepper on top to season.
  5. Add Butter and Cover: Place a tablespoon of unsalted butter in each corner of the baking dish. Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
  6. Bake: Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and the cheese to melt into a creamy sauce.
  7. Finish with Cheddar Cheese: Remove the foil carefully, then add half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to mix the cheese into the creamy pasta. Add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until all the cheese melts and the dish is smooth and cohesive.

Notes

  • Using a block of American cheese in the center helps create a melty, creamy texture as it bakes.
  • Covering the dish while baking traps steam, cooking the pasta perfectly without boiling it separately.
  • Mixing in sharp cheddar cheese after baking adds a tangy flavor and additional cheesiness.
  • Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in cream and water to avoid dryness.
  • Butter placed in corners adds richness and prevents the dish from drying out during baking.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-with-creamy-cheese-sauce-recipe/