Baked Mac Creamy Topper (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 tablespoons plain flour
02 -
½ teaspoon salt
03 -
2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
04 -
3 tablespoons butter
05 -
½ pound (1½ cups) dry elbow pasta
06 -
1½ cups milk of your choice
07 -
¾ cup half-and-half cream
08 -
⅛ teaspoon black pepper, ground
# Instructions:
01 -
Turn on oven to 325°F. Grease an 8-inch square dish. Boil the pasta briefly until it's slightly firm to bite, following what the box says.
02 -
Warm butter in a pan at medium heat, then whisk in salt, pepper, and the flour. Let it cook for a couple of minutes. Slowly pour in the milk and cream while stirring. Heat it up until thick and smooth, kind of like gravy (takes about 5-7 minutes).
03 -
Take the sauce off the heat and mix in 1 cup of cheese until it melts into the sauce.
04 -
Mix the cheesy sauce with the cooked pasta. Spread half of it in the dish, sprinkle on ½ cup cheese, then repeat with the rest of the pasta and cheese on top.
05 -
Put the dish in the oven and bake for around 15-20 minutes until the top cheese looks melted.
# Notes:
01 -
Choose a cheddar that's aged to get richer flavor and texture.
02 -
Grating cheese from a fresh block makes it melt easier.
03 -
Let cheese sit out at room temperature a bit before using.
04 -
You can swap in gluten-free pasta and flour if needed.