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Cracker Barrel-Inspired Baked Cheddar Mac
Melissa Hart

Cracker Barrel-Inspired Baked Cheddar Mac

Sharp cheddar and a true oven bake set this Cracker Barrel-inspired casserole apart from pour-and-serve stovetop mac. The sauce is deliberately modest so the elbows hold their shape beneath a browned cheese top. A little Colby softens the sharp cheddar and gives the center a familiar orange melt.
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Prep Time 18 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar divided
  • 2 cups shredded Colby cheese divided

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and boil the macaroni 2 minutes short of tender; drain.
  2. Melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour for 1 minute and gradually add milk.
  3. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in dry mustard, salt, pepper, 1 1/2 cups cheddar and 1 1/2 cups Colby.
  4. Fold in the macaroni and spread in a buttered 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  5. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until bubbling and browned at the edges.