The Best Mac & Cheese

Indulge in a comforting classic, elevated for the holidays. This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a true crowd-pleaser. This indulgent mac and cheese is a true Thanksgiving feast. It has a rich, creamy sauce blankets and tender pasta and a five-cheese blend that includes smoked cheddar, creamy mozzarella, tangy muenster, savory colby jack and sharp cheddar cheddar. Each bite is a decadent explosion of flavor. Its perfect for sharing with family and friends on Thanksgiving or any special occasion.

Ingredients:

Cheeses I used:

*DO NOT USE PRE-SHREDDED CHEESE. THATS A BIG NO NO*

• 8 oz mozzarella, 1 lb colby jack, 7 oz tillamook hickory smoked cheddar, 8 oz sharp cheddar, 4 oz of muenster cheese ( cubed)

*Make sure to divide the cheese into 2 bowls ( don't include the muenster cheese though)*

• 1 lb large elbow macaroni

• 1 tbsp + 1tsp of better than bouillon "roasted garlic base) ( this is optional)

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp flour

• 1 12oz can of evaporated milk + a little over 1/2 a can of a 5 oz can of evaporated milk

• 2 cups heavy cream

• chives (for topping)

Seasonings i used:

• garlic powder, onion powder, cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, 1 tsp of mustard powder, salt & pepper ( measure with your heart)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Add some water to a large pot and salt your water, once the water comes to a boil add in the 1tbsp of BTB roasted garlic base and then add in your noodles, and cook until al dente ( about 7 mins)

3. To a skillet on medium heat add in your butter and once melted add in all of your seasoning except the mustard powder, and let that cook for 30 seconds. Add your flour and let it cook for 2-3 mins.

4. Slowly whisk in your evaporated milk in batches and then slowly whisk in your heavy cream and 1 tsp of the BTB roasted garlic base & let that cook for about 3 mins.

5. Turn off the heat and add in half of your cheese and make sure to add a large handful at a time once the cheese has melted repeat that process untill there is no more cheese remaining.

6. Add in your seasonings and mix until fully combined.

7. Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce and fold in until evenly coated. (adjust seasonings if necessary)

8. Pour in half of the mac into a 9x13 baking dish and add your cubed up muenster cheese, and the other 4 cheeses, and then add your last layer of mac and top with the muenster cheese and the remainder of the other 4 cheeses. Sprinkle some smoked paprika on top

9. Bake in the oven @350 for 30 mins and broil it for 2-3 mins to get that golden brown crust.

10. Top with chives & enjoy!