Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this mac and cheese recipe?

Oh honey, I wish! But pre-shredded cheese has those weird anti-caking agents that make your sauce grainy. Take the extra 5 minutes to shred blocks of cheddar and gouda yourself – your future creamy, dreamy mac will thank you. Promise it's worth the elbow grease!

How do I make gluten-free mac and cheese?

Easy peasy! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend when making the roux. I've done this for my niece's birthday party, and no one could tell the difference. The cheese sauce still gets perfectly thick and luscious.

Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?

Technically yes...but texture changes a bit. The noodles get softer, and the sauce separates slightly when thawed. If you must freeze, undercook the pasta slightly and add extra milk when reheating. But honestly? This mac is so good fresh, it rarely lasts long enough to freeze in my house!

Creamy 30-Minute Mac and Cheese Recipe Your Family Will

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

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A rich and creamy mac and cheese with a stretchy cheese pull, perfect for comfort food lovers.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded smoked gouda
2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in cheeses until melted.
Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Add steamed broccoli or diced ham for extra flavor.
For a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs before baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe/