Lazy Baked Macaroni and Cheese - Easy and delicious comfort food!

This lazy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It requires minimal effort and few ingredients, but delivers a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will love. The secret to this recipe is using a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese, which gives the mac and cheese a rich and complex flavor. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite meat or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
6. Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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