1-Let’s dive into making this creamy baked mac and cheese, a simple process that anyone can master. Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish for a golden finish. This step sets the stage for a dish that’s full of that comforting mac and cheese goodness.

2-Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add 1 lb dried elbow pasta and cook it 1 minute less than the package directions suggest. After draining, toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking, ensuring it stays just right for baking. This keeps your mac and cheese from turning mushy and maintains that perfect al dente bite.

3-Shred and Mix the Cheeses Next, shred the cheeses and divide them into three portions: one for the sauce, one for the inner layer, and one for the topping. This helps layer flavors and textures in your baked mac and cheese. Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour until it’s fully blended.

4-Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups half and half along with 1 1/2 cups whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook this sauce on medium heat, whisking often, until it thickens to a consistency like thinned condensed soup. Once ready, remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, and half of the divided cheeses until everything melts together nicely.

5-Combine and Bake Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, then pour half into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese, add the rest of the pasta mixture, and top with the last of the cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, giving you a homemade mac and cheese that’s irresistibly creamy.