Ingredients
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1 lb ; cooked Elbow Pasta
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1/2 cup Butter
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1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
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1 1/2 cups Milk
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2 1/2 cup Half and Half
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4 cups ; (divided into 3 parts of 1 1/3 cups) Sharp Cheddar Cheese
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2 cups; divided Gruyère Cheese
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to taste Seasoning Salt
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to taste Onion Powder
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to taste Paprika
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to taste Salt and Pepper
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*Optional-2-3 slices, cooked and broken into bits Bacon
Directions
The Ultimate Mac and Cheese
This ultimate mac and cheese recipe is addicting from the first bite to the last. Oh my, my, my…made with sharp Cheddar
and Gruyère cheeses, this rich and creamy dish is sure to please even the pickiest mac and cheese lovers. Perfect for a holiday side dish, dinner or an anytime meal for the ultimate mac and cheese experience.
If you like this mac and cheese recipe, you’ll love our Magnificent Macaroni and Cheese recipe made with Colby, Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese.
Steps
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1
Done
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 3-quart baking or casserole dish and set aside. |
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2
Done
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add pasta, cook until al dente. Drain and set aside. |
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3
Done
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In a medium bowl, shred the Cheddar cheese (divided into 3 cups of 1 1/3 cups). In another bowl, shred the Gruyère Cheese (divided into 2 parts of 1 cup each). |
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4
Done
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For the Cheese RouxIn a large saucepan add butter. Once melted sprinkle flour and whisk to combine. (Add milk and half and half into one container.) Slowly add 2 cups of milk and half and half into the saucepan, whisking continuously. Slowly add the remainder of the mixture, whisking continuously until it thickens. |
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5
Done
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Remove from heat and mix in seasonings, add 1 1/3 cups of cheddar and 1 cup of Gruyère cheese, while mixing until completely melted and smooth. |
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6
Done
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Pour cheese sauce into the bowl of the pasta and mix well. Add 1/2 of the pasta and cheese mixture into casserole dish, then add 1 1/3 cups of cheddar cheese; Add the remainder of the pasta and cheese sauce mixture. Sprinkle the remainder of the Cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese evenly on top. Optional-add bacon bits. |
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7
Done
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Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Uncover and let the cheese continue to melt until bubbly and turns a light golden brown. |
