Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 Tbsp chicken bouillon (for boiling water)
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 Tbsp flour
• 4 cups 1/2 and 1/2
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 1 tsp CWT all-purpose chicken seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ cup cream cheese softened
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko (optional)
• 3 Tbsp melted butter (optional)
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Boil macaroni with chicken bouillon until al dente.
2. 2Melt butter in a large pan.
3. 3Add all-purpose flour to the butter and stir to cook the flour to create a roux.
4. 4Add the heavy cream and half-and-half and stir.
5. 5Add the seasonings: smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. 6Add cream cheese to the sauce. Stir and whisk to combine.
7. 7Add the cheese blend and allow to melt slowly. Stir gently.
8. 8Add the macaroni to the sauce and stir to incorporate.
9. 9Transfer mixture to a 9x13 baking dish.
10. 10Mix and set aside the topping.
11. 11Spread the remaining cheese on top of the mac and cheese and season with smoked paprika or the topping.
12. 12Bake in the oven uncovered at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
13. 13Turn the broiler on for the last 2-3 minutes to develop a nice golden crust on top.