Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a comfort food classic. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (2 cups) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just slightly undercooked. It will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, or until it’s a light golden color.
- Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they’re completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the salt, pepper, paprika, ground mustard, and garlic powder. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the cheese sauce will be extremely hot.
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese as a comforting and satisfying side dish or main course. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a cheesy, creamy delight.
