Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Recipe
Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese copycat with tender macaroni in a rich four cheese sauce and buttery breadcrumb topping. Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 40 minutes.
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Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni cooked al dente
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- ½ cup gouda cheese shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese shredded
- ½ cup butter + 2 tablespoons divided for breadcrumb topping
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions, under cooking slightly so they are firm.
- Drain and pour noodles into prepared baking dish.
- Combine all the shredded cheese in a bowl and toss to mix.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Reduce heat to low. Pour in the cream and whisk continually to thicken.
- Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in seasonings and half the cheese mixture.
- Pour over the noodles in the baking dish and gently stir to combine.
- Spread into an even layer and top with remaining cheese.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small dish. Add the breadcrumbs and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb and butter mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the breadcrumbs are a golden brown.
- Remove and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese. It's the single biggest factor in a smooth sauce.
- Undercook the pasta by 1 to 2 minutes since it keeps cooking in the oven.
- Keep the heat low when you stir in the cheese so the sauce stays smooth.
- Leave the breadcrumb topping off if you're making it ahead or freezing it.
- Toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter so they actually toast to a golden brown. Plus, it tastes better too!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 707kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 725mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1517IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 448mg | Iron: 2mg
