Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces, weight Sharp Cheddar Cheese; 3 ounces, weight Jack Cheese; 1 pound Pasta Shells; 3 cups Milk; 6 Tablespoons Butter; 3 Tablespoons Flour; 1 whole Bay Leaf; 1/2 teaspoons Paprika; 1 Tablespoon Dry Mustard; 1/4 teaspoons Salt And Pepper; 3 ounces, weight Blue Cheese; 1 cup Bread Crumbs; 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan

Servings: persons

12 ounces, weight Sharp Cheddar Cheese
3 ounces, weight Jack Cheese
1 pound Pasta Shells
3 cups Milk
6 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons Flour
1 whole Bay Leaf
1/2 teaspoons Paprika
1 Tablespoon Dry Mustard
1/4 teaspoons Salt And Pepper
3 ounces, weight Blue Cheese
1 cup Bread Crumbs
1/2 cups Grated Parmesan

1
Grate all of the cheeses.
2
Set aside.
3
Mix together the cheddar and jack cheese and set aside 1/4 cup in a separate bowl.
4
Cook pasta until there is still a little bite (a minute or so short of the package instructions for al dente).
5
When done, drain pasta.
6
Warm the milk over low heat and keep it warm.
7
Measure out all seasonings so they are ready to be thrown into the sauce.
8
Melt 3 Tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium-low heat and then add flour, stirring constantly until blended.
9
Stir warmed milk and bay leaf into the butter mix.
10
Stir constantly until thickened.
11
Remove from heat and using a whisk, stir in paprika, mustard and salt and pepper.
12
Remove bay leaf and begin to stir the large bowl of cheddar and jack cheese and the blue cheese into the sauce.
13
Add the pan back onto low heat if the cheese isnt melting.
14
Once melted, remove from heat.
15
Sprinkle half of the reserved cheese in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
16
Pour 1/3 of cooked/drained pasta into the baking pan, then pour 1/3 of the sauce over the pasta and repeat these layers twice more.
17
Melt remaining 3 Tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat and add the bread crumbs.
18
Cook until bread crumbs are toasted.
19
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over pasta and then sprinkle parmesan cheese over breadcrumbs.
20
Bake on 375F for 20 minutes.

1295

kcal

Calories

Fat

104

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 12 ounces, weight Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 3 ounces, weight Jack Cheese, 1 pound Pasta Shells, 3 cups Milk, and more.

Yes, Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions