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–+ servings
Christmas Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy Christmas Baked Mac and Cheese Everyone Will Love

This Christmas Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines pasta with rich cheese sauce and festive spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni You can substitute with any pasta shape.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can be replaced with margarine or vegan butter.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Low-fat or non-dairy milk can be used.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half and half can be used as a lighter option.
  • 3 cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack) Feel free to experiment with cheeses.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Freshly grated for the best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used for a milder taste.
  • Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • Pepper Adjust according to taste.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs are a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can replace for dairy-free.
  • 1 handful Chopped Fresh Parsley and Thyme Any herbs or dried herbs can be used.
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup Diced Ham or Cooked Bacon Omit for vegetarian or vegan option.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • Large saucepan
  • whisk
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour until light golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream while whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper; fold in shredded cheese until smooth.
  6. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly; add optional ham or bacon if desired.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs for topping.
  8. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  9. Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and cook over low heat to avoid clumping. You can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking.

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