Cheesy Delight: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
This creamy baked mac and cheese is a comforting dish featuring elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce. It's perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the flour for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a crispy topping, ensure the breadcrumbs are well-coated with butter.