Description
A reliable, creamy baked mac and cheese recipe designed specifically for meal prep. It uses undercooked pasta and a stable roux-based sauce to ensure the texture remains perfect for up to four days in the fridge or three months in the freezer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little oil.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens slightly (2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Do not boil.
- Combine the undercooked pasta and cheese sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Let cool completely before portioning to prevent sogginess.
- Divide into meal prep containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes to prevent mushiness after reheating. Cool the mac and cheese completely before storing to avoid condensation. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. For best texture, consume within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 container (approx.
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: meal prep, mac and cheese, make ahead, baked pasta, freezer friendly, comfort food, easy dinner