My Trusty Tips for the Best Baked Mac:

• Pasta Perfect: Boil your pasta just a tad less than usual. For elbow pasta, 4 to 5 minutes does the trick. Remember, it’ll cook further in the oven!
• The Liquid Gold: Room temp milk and cream blend better and faster. Set ’em out while you’re waiting for the pasta water to boil.
• Cheese Choices: This is where you can play! Though cheddar and gruyere are close to my heart, feel free to venture out. Mozzarella, gouda, colby – the cheese world is your oyster!
• Fresh Shred: Those pre-shredded cheese packs? Convenient, yes. Ideal? Nope. Freshly shredded cheese melts into velvety perfection.