How To Make The Best Baked Mac And Cheese

By Tasty · 45 min

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Boil well-salted water, cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package says so it stays slightly firm, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, toss 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar with the cubed American cheese and cornstarch until coated.
4. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it sizzles, stir in the mustard powder and cayenne and toast until golden brown, about 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream and keep whisking until small bubbles rise rapidly and the mixture begins to simmer, about 3 minutes.
6. Whisk the egg in a small bowl, temper it by whisking in a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture, then slowly pour it back into the pot, whisking vigorously until fully combined.
7. Off the heat, add the cheese mixture a small handful at a time, whisking between additions until each batch melts smoothly.
8. Fold in the drained pasta and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Pour into an 8-inch square dish with 2-inch sides.
9. Mix the remaining 2 oz cheddar with the mozzarella and Parmesan and sprinkle over the pasta.
10. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes until melted and bubbling at the edges. Then broil on high for about 5 minutes until browned all over.
11. Rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Summarized from Tasty's video. Watch it for the details.

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EggCheeseMilkCreamParmesan cheeseHeavy creamMozzarella cheeseCheddar cheese