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Mac and cheese HAS to be creamy AND have crispy edges for my family!!! I’ve found THE best way to accomplish this is to use a deep jelly roll baking sheet. That way everyone gets the best of both worlds. I keep trying to reinvent this recipe and think I’m FINALLY there!

The other MAJOR requirement is to use FRESH grated cheeses for the BEST results!

SHEET PAN MAC & CHEESE with CRISPY EDGES – SERVES 8

1 pound elbow macaroni or shells
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
2 cups WHOLE milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced into paste
1 medium shallot, FINELY minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
FRESH ground black pepper
2-3 green onions, THINLY sliced for garnish

• Preheat oven to 425°.
• Arrange an oven rack 6 inches from broiler.
• Lightly spray large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 1 minute less than al dente per package instructions. Drain well. Return pasta to hot pot. Stir in cream cheese and Dijon until cream cheese is melted and pasta is well coated. Set aside.
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
• Add garlic and shallot, cooking and stirring 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Whisk in cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne until lightly browned.
• Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until slightly thickened. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed.
• Season to taste with FRESH ground with salt and pepper.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and jack cheese until melted.
• Pour and fold into pasta mixture until well combined; season again to taste.
• Pour onto baking sheet.
• Sprinkle with Colby Jack cheese.
• Bake 15-20 minutes until all the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.
• Top with green onions.
• Serve immediately.

NOTE: For best results use FRESHLY grated cheeses, NOT prepackaged.