Making Mac and Cheese has never been this easy! With just 10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes in the oven you can make the best baked Mac and Cheese - in one pan, without boiling, and without flour. With both Cheddar and Gruyere this is as cheesy & flavor packed as it gets!
Bring out a round oven dish that's about 6x2 inches (15x5 cm) or a different shape but similar in size. Place the two types of cheese in the dish and mix well.
1.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
Season with paprika powder, salt and black pepper, and mix well.
½ teaspoon paprika powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Add macaroni pasta and mix again. Then use a spoon to even out the surface.
1.5 cup macaroni pasta
Pour in the cream and milk, then use a spoon to ensure all pieces of macaroni and cheese are submerged.
1.5 cup heavy cream, 1 cup milk
Bake in the middle of the oven for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and mix gently. Place back in the oven for 15 more minutes. With 5 minutes left, raise the heat to 400°F (200°C).
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Ingredient notes & substitutions
Milk can be swapped for cream or half and half
I recommend using 2 types of cheese: one creamier and one more flavorful - just make sure both melt well
Gruyere cheese can be switched for another cheese that melts well & has a lot of taste - like Comté, Emmental, Jarlsberg, Raclette or Parmesan cheese
Cheddar cheese can be switched for another well-melting, creamy cheese, like Edam, Gouda, Brick cheese or Mozzarella
Pre-shredded cheese can be used as long as it is 100% cheese, and does not have any added starch
Tips & tricks
Mix the seasonings well with the cheese to ensure an even flavor distribution
Mix it after baking for 30 minutes to allow more starch to release into the sauce
Allow to rest for the sauce to set, if you skip this it will be a bit runny
Store leftovers in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 4 days
Freeze leftovers to keep them for up to 3 months
Reheat leftovers:
Oven: Cover with foil and heat at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes