Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect comfort food! Tender elbow macaroni in a creamy cheddar & gruyere cheese sauce is baked until bubbly and golden brown. This side dish goes with just about any meal!
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4 servings
- 12 oz whole wheat or gluten-free elbow macaroni chickpea or lentil pasta for healthier option
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups almond milk or milk of choise
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups sharp red cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese shredded
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- Optional: fresh thyme to garnish
Preheat the oven to 350ºF and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then transfer to a baking dish.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Stir in the milk and allow it to heat.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Once the milk is hot, stir in the cornstarch, cheddar, and gruyere. Stir continuously for a few minutes, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper.
Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to coat. Sprinkle it with parmesan cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.
- Storing: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Before reheating, stir in a bit of milk to make the pasta a bit creamier then, reheat in the microwave in small increments, covered until heated through.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 955kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 1972mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1300IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 1498mg | Iron: 1mg