# Homemade Mac and Cheese

- Servings: 1 dish
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Side
- Difficulty: medium
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cup half and half
- 1 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1/2 cup colby jack, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1/2 cup monterey jack, shredded
- 1/4 cup smoked gouda, shredded (optional)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- cayenne pepper (optional)
- salt (optional)

## Instructions

1. Cook the pasta to al dente in salted boiling water.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add flour, and whisk until it bubbles and deepens in color to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the half and half until smooth.
4. Add all cheeses (sharp cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, monterey jack, smoked gouda, and cream cheese) and whisk until melted.
5. Add spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard powder, black pepper, nutmeg, cayenne, and salt) and whisk to combine.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in a baking dish and mix to combine.
7. Cover the top with additional shredded sharp cheddar and monterey jack cheese.
8. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

## Equipment

- food processor
- pot
- saucepan
- whisk
- silicone spatula
- baking dish

## Source

- Original video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP83P7Wdf/
- Creator: moribyan
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/92cb81c2-1990-43e0-9f91-715d996cbff3
- Extracted: 2026-09-12

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt