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Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese Recipe

Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese Recipe

Do you love warm comfort food? You must try the Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese Recipe. This meal is very rich and creamy. It is perfect for a family dinner. This Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese Recipe tastes amazing.
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Prep Time 13 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot.
  • Colander.
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • Cheese grater.
  • Measuring cups
  • Large mixing spoon.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ELBOW MACARONI
  • 1/2 cup UNSALTED BUTTER
  • 1/4 cup ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
  • 2 cups WHOLE MILK
  • 1 cup HEAVY CREAM
  • 4 cups SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE
  • 2 cups GRUYERE CHEESE
  • 1 tsp SALT
  • 1/2 tsp BLACK PEPPER
  • 1 cup PANKO BREADCRUMBS

Instructions
 

Step 1:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease your large baking dish with butter. This prevents the pasta from sticking.

Step 2:

  • Fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a full boil.

Step 3:

  • Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook the pasta for about eight minutes. It should be slightly firm to the bite.

Step 4:

  • Drain the pasta using your colander. Set the cooked noodles aside for a moment. Do not rinse the pasta with water.

Step 5:

  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Turn the heat to a medium setting. Wait until the butter starts to bubble.

Step 6:

  • Whisk the flour into the melted butter. Cook this mixture for one minute. It should look like a thick paste.

Step 7:

  • Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking the sauce while you pour. This keeps the sauce very smooth.

Step 8:

  • Simmer the sauce until it gets thick. This usually takes about five minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 9:

  • Remove the pan from the heat source. Stir in the cheddar and Gruyere cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted.

Step 10:

  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat every single noodle. Add your salt and pepper for seasoning.

Step 11:

  • Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.

Step 12:

  • Place the dish in the center rack. Bake for twenty to twenty-five minutes. The top should be bubbly and brown.

Notes

Use room temperature milk to prevent sauce lumps.
Grate cheese by hand for a better melt.
Do not overcook the pasta before baking it.
Add a pinch of paprika for extra color.
Let the dish rest before you serve it.
Keyword Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese Recipe