Golden Baked Mac & Cheese
This baked mac and cheese combines sharp cheeses, gouda, and a touch of spice for bold, creamy flavor. Topped with a crispy cracker layer, it’s perfect as a family dinner, game day side, or crowd-pleasing dish for hosting.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta and making sauce)
- Colander or separate bowl (for draining pasta)
- Whisk
- Spoon or spatula
- 8x8 baking dish
- Plastic bag (for crushing crackers)
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated
- ½ cup Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese grated
- ½ cup Gouda Cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon Stone-ground mustard
- 8 oz Cellentini Pasta or another noodle of choice
- 3 tablespoon Salted Butter
- 1 tablespoon Flour
- 12 oz Evaporated Milk
- ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- ½ cup Milk we use Fairlife
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoon Kinders The Blend Seasoning
- 10 Ritz Crackers
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan
Instructions
- First, cook the pasta. Boil it on the stove until fully cooked, then strain and set aside in a separate bowl or colander.
- Next, start the sauce. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour for about 1 minute until combined and the raw flour smell disappears.
- Then add the liquids. Gradually pour in the evaporated milk, heavy cream, and regular milk, whisking constantly to prevent clumps. Simmer until smooth.
- Add the seasonings. Stir in the spices and mustard, then continue to simmer for about 3 more minutes while stirring.
- Incorporate the cheeses. Add the three cheeses and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Prepare the topping. Pour the mac and cheese into an 8x8 baking dish. Crush Ritz crackers in a plastic bag and mix with grated Parmesan. Sprinkle a little extra cheddar over the pasta, then evenly spread the cracker mixture on top.
- Bake and serve. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving. enjoy!
