Baked Macaroni and Cheese

By stephanie sorbie
@seasickpeach

My mom's boyfriend used to have baked mac and cheese as a boy. His mom would make it for him. One christmas a few years back we decided not to have a traditional holiday meal because he was allergic to fowl. I volunteered to make this dish.
He bit into it and literally teared up and said "This reminds me of my mom and I love it".
He never had seconds of anything but that night I believe he had thirds. Since I have had to email my mom the recipe so she can make him his favorite meal.

Rating:

★★★★★ 8 votes

Comments:

47 Comments

Serves:

8-12

Prep:

30 Min

Cook:

45 Min

Method:

Bake

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Notes from the Test Kitchen:
One bite and my grandson, Connor, was hooked! This one was a hit around the Crew table. To quote Connor, "This mac and cheese is awesome!"

Ingredients

1 box: spiral macaroni
4 c: sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 c: asiago cheese, grated
1 c: gorganzonla cheese, crumbled
2-3 c: milk
2-3 Tbsp: butter
2-3 Tbsp: corn starch or flour
3 clove: garlic, minced
: salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step-by-Step

1In a large pot prepare macaroni as directed. Drain and set aside.
2In a large skillet melt butter and saute' garlic until slightly golden over medium high heat.
3Add corn starch or flour and make a rue. Should be a slight golden brown.
4Add a little of the milk and whisk to break up the rue so there will be no lumps. Continue to add milk and whisk so no lumps form.
5Add salt and pepper to taste.
6Continue to cook and stir over medium heat until sauce starts to thicken.
7Add 2 cups of cheddar cheese, Asiago and Gorganzola cheese constantly stirring until melted and sauce is thick.
8Pour sauce over the macaroni and stir well.
9Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and stir.
10Pour into a prepared 9x12 rectangle baking pan.
11Top with remaining cheese.
12Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes until the cheese on top is a nice golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Then serve.
13Cheeses can be less or more to your preference. I also like to add fresh mushrooms, onions and broccoli for a twist. You can also use Parmesan cheese or Italian bread crumbs on top with the Cheddar cheese for a crunchier top.