Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Classic 🧀🍲

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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:

  1. Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish.
  1. Cook Macaroni:
  • Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  1. 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.
  1. Combine Macaroni and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every pasta is generously coated.
  1. Prepare Topping:
  • In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  1. Assemble and Bake:
  • Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the macaroni.
  1. Bake to Perfection:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  1. 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. 🧀🍲✨