Copycat Cracker Barrel Restaurant Mac and Cheese

By srumbel

Copycat Cracker Barrel Restaurant Mac and Cheese Recipe developed from my love of mac and cheese. This recipe is creamy and decadent.
from callmepmc.com

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 ⁄2 cup heavy cream
• 2 1⁄2 cups shredded Colby cheese
• 2 1⁄2 cups uncooked pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• optioanl add-ins - 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup cooked bacon, 1 jar drained diced pimentos, 1 cup caramelized onions, or 2 cups steamed broccoli spears.

Details

Preparation time 10mins
Cooking time 40mins

Preparation

Step 1

Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a separate pot; add salt and pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente then drain.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add the flour a little bit at a time whisking to combine to make a roux. Cook for 2 minutes.
Heat the broth.
Add the broth to the roux, stirring constantly with the whisk.
Add a cream until it reaches the desired consistency. Remember it will thicken more as it cooks.
Add shredded cheese to the cream sauce stirring until cheese melts.
Add the pasta and stir to combine.
Pour the mix into an oven safe dish and bake uncovered in a preheated oven set to 350°F for about 10 minutes or until brown around the edges.
Remove and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Yield 6 servings