Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese—a timeless classic that combines tender macaroni with a luxuriously rich and gooey cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a creamy, savory masterpiece. Gather your loved ones and savor the comforting warmth of this beloved baked mac and cheese.
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Macaroni:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- Salt for boiling water
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat and add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every pasta is generously coated.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the macaroni.
- 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:
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Scoop out generous portions of creamy baked mac and cheese onto plates.
Accept the comforting joy of our Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, a masterpiece of soft macaroni encased in opulently rich cheese sauce. This traditional comfort food, baked to golden perfection, is a celebration of ease and luxury. Savor it alone or with loved ones, and bask in the ageless bliss of homemade mac and cheese. 🧀🍲✨