Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish featuring elbow macaroni cooked in a rich blend of American and sharp cheddar cheeses, heavy cream, butter, and seasonings. Baked to perfection in the oven, it delivers a smooth, cheesy texture with a golden crust that's perfect for any cheese lover's table.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese Base
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
- 16 oz American cheese (block)
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup water
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients necessary for the recipe to ensure you have everything ready before starting.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the whole block of American cheese in the center of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Arrange the dry elbow macaroni pasta evenly around the block of cheese.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour 3 cups of heavy cream over the pasta, making sure the pasta is well covered. Next, pour 1 cup of water into the dish. Then, add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper for seasoning.
- Add Butter: Place a tablespoon of unsalted butter in each corner of the baking dish, totaling 4 tablespoons.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the pasta to cook and the cheese to melt and blend.
- Remove Foil and Stir Cheese: After baking, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Add half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the dish and stir thoroughly to mix.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish: Add the remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese and continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the mac and cheese is creamy and well combined. Serve hot.
Notes
- Using a block of American cheese melts smoothly and ensures the classic creamy texture.
- Be sure the pasta is well-covered with cream and water to cook evenly during baking.
- The butter added at the corners helps enrich the flavor and create a silky sauce.
- Stirring the shredded cheddar cheese in after baking prevents it from overcooking and preserves its sharp flavor.
- You can cover the dish with foil tightly to avoid drying out the pasta during baking.
Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/cheesy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
