Savor the indulgence of our Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese—an irresistible union of perfectly cooked macaroni enveloped in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering a symphony of cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether served as a side dish or the main event, this classic recipe promises to elevate your mac and cheese experience to new heights.
Ingredients:
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring a smooth mixture. Cook and whisk until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Make the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy the creamy richness of our Baked Mac and Cheese, a classic comfort food that spans generations. This dish is a celebration of classic flavors and homemade goodness, with its velvety cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and golden breadcrumb topping. Share it with family and friends, bask in the warmth of comfort, and enjoy the simple joy of a well-made mac and cheese.