Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

Equal parts chicken broth & water (to boil macaroni)

3

cups macaroni (uncooked)

2

tablespoons butter

2

tablespoons flour

1

cup chicken broth

1/2

cup half-and-half

1/2

cup milk

1/2

cup cream cheese, softened

4

cups finely shredded cheeses (sharp cheddar*, mozzarella, gouda, muenster)

1/2

teaspoon black pepper

A few dashes paprika

Steps

• 1

  Preheat oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, combine equal parts water and chicken broth (just enough to cook your macaroni in) in a large pot and bring to a boil on the stovetop.
• 2

  Add macaroni and cook until al dente according to instructions on box (usually about 7-8 minutes). When macaroni is done, drain and set aside.
• 3

  In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for about a minute, whisking constantly. Keep whisking as you add in 1 cup chicken broth, half-and-half, and milk; continue whisking until fully combined. You want the mixture to steam but NOT boil. Adjust your heat accordingly. Add in the cream cheese and stir until completely dissolved and smooth.
• 4

  Remove pot from heat and add in 4 cups of cheese, stirring until smooth. Pour cheese mixture over cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Add some black pepper if you'd like.
• 5

  Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter and pour mac and cheese into it. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until slightly jiggly, making sure not to overcook. The macaroni will set and firm up as it cools.