Homemade Mac & Cheese
Description
A rich and cheesy side dish that pairs well with everything, this smoky Mac and Cheese will not disappoint! With its sharp flavors and silky melted goodness, your crew will be coming back for seconds and thirds. Not for the lactose intolerant, be warned now.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 2 boxes (32 oz) rigatoni
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese
- 2 cups extra sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350F
- Step 2 - Grate cheeses and combine, divide into thirds
- Step 3 - Bring large pot of water to boil, add salt and olive oil, boil pasta until al dente (pasta should still be slightly undercooked)
- Step 4 - Drain and remove pasta from heat, spread into baking dish
- Step 5 - In large saucepan, melt butter and flour (it should have the consistency of very wet sand)
- Step 6 - Add milk and half and half, stir in 1/3 of cheese until melted into a light sauce
- Step 7 - Add smoked paprika and salt and pepper, always stirring.
- Step 8 - Mix 1/3 of shredded cheese into pasta dish
- Step 9 - Pour cheese sauce over pasta dish, mix well
- Step 10 - Bake for 10 minutes, top with last 1/3 of shredded cheese, and bake for another 5 minutes (or until the cheese has melted on top)