Description
This Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and indulgent comfort food experience. Featuring tender Sfoglini small shells pasta coated in a luscious blend of cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, and American deli-style cheese, baked to golden perfection for a deliciously cheesy crust. Perfect for a family meal or potluck, it balances creamy textures with bold flavors for an unforgettable dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound Sfoglini Small Shells
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Cheese Sauce
- 8 ounces unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups half & half
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 16 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 16 ounces deli-style American cheese (Cooper Sharp recommended), shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add Sfoglini small shells pasta and cook until al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with one tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Melt Butter and Cream Cheese: In a stockpot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and continue whisking until well combined to form a roux. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Gradually pour in the whole milk and half & half, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and is lump-free. Stir in the sea salt, ground black pepper, and mustard powder to season the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Incorporate the shredded sharp white cheddar and deli-style American cheese into the thickened sauce. Whisk thoroughly until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Optionally, reserve some shredded cheese for topping before baking.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, optionally sprinkle reserved cheese on top for extra cheesiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly along the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and allow it to set for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich, gooey, and comforting dish!
Notes
- Using Sfoglini small shells pasta helps trap the cheese sauce inside each shell for maximum flavor.
- Make sure to whisk continuously when adding the flour and dairy to prevent lumps in your sauce.
- Reserve some shredded cheese to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra crispy cheese crust.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and set, making serving easier.
- You can substitute half & half and whole milk with heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar or aged American cheese varieties.
