Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you love comfort food, you need the Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese Recipe. It is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for any family dinner. This recipe comes from her famous Magnolia Table cookbook.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni dry
- 8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter one stick
- 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
- 4 cups Whole Milk
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 2 cups Gruyère Cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Optional: 1 cup Breadcrumbs for the topping
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain the water and set the pasta aside.
Melt the Butter
- Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Do not let the butter brown or burn. It should look golden and bubbly.
Make the Roux
- Whisk the flour into the melted butter. Keep stirring for about two minutes. This cooks the raw flour taste away. The mixture should look like a thick, pale paste.
Add Milk and Cream
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream. Whisk constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
Melt the Cheeses
- Turn the heat to low. Stir in the Cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. Keep stirring until the sauce is completely smooth. Add your salt, pepper, and garlic powder now.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently so every noodle is covered. The mixture should look very creamy and rich. You will love the cheesy aroma.
Prep the Baking Dish
- Grease your baking dish with butter or oil. Pour the mac and cheese into the dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Ensure the edges are filled.
Notes
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has wax that prevents smooth melting.
- Don't overcook pasta: The noodles finish cooking in the oven. Keep them firm at first.
- Add a kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a tiny bit of heat.
- Try different noodles: Cavatappi or shells hold the sauce very well.
- Veggie boost: Stir in some steamed broccoli for a healthier twist.
- Bacon bits: Add crispy bacon on top for extra crunch and saltiness.