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Ultra-Creamy No-Boil Mac and Cheese with a Golden Crust

Ultra-Creamy No-Boil Mac and Cheese with a Golden Crust

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  • Author: nakisha
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

What if I told you there’s a magical way to get ultra-creamy, ridiculously delicious mac and cheese straight from your oven, with hardly any effort at all? This no-boil recipe is a ‘set it and forget it’ champion of comfort food that saves you time and cleanup by cooking the pasta directly in the sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (4 cups) dry elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pats
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prep and Mix: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine milk, heavy cream, broth, butter pats, cream cheese, and spices.
  2. Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir in the dry macaroni. Sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar and all the Monterey Jack over the top.
  3. Initial Bake: Cover tightly with foil to trap steam. Bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Stir and Top: Remove foil and stir well to ensure the sauce is creamy. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar.
  5. Add Crunch: Mix Panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
  6. Final Bake: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and bubbly.
  7. Rest: Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set perfectly.

Notes

For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags. Don’t skip the resting time—it’s essential for the sauce to reach its full creamy potential. Feel free to stir in cooked bacon or steamed broccoli during the final stir for a delicious variation.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 19g

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Find it online: https://nakisharecipes.com/ultra-creamy-no-boil-mac-and-cheese-with-a-golden-crust/