Description
A creamy and comforting macaroni and cheese dish that evokes nostalgia and warmth, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups half & half
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz gouda cheese (shredded or cubed)
- 8 oz creamy havarti cheese (shredded or cubed)
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz colby jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp seasoning salt (or plain salt)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Pour 8 cups of water into a large pot, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni pasta and cook it until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cool water.
- While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the butter melts, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk until well incorporated.
- Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and half & half, continuing to whisk for about 3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low. Mix in cream cheese, gouda, and havarti, stirring until all cheeses melt into a creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle in the seasoning salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until well combined.
- In a large pot, combine the macaroni pasta with the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into a 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Top with half of the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and colby jack cheese.
- Add the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture into the baking dish and finish by topping with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Remove and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or breadcrumbs prior to baking.