Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our irresistible Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this dish combines tender pasta smothered in a rich and velvety cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game to new heights!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add all-purpose flour and whisk constantly until smooth and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the mac and cheese for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Serve Hot: Mac and cheese is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Be sure to let it cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before digging in.
- Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve your mac and cheese alongside a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that will please everyone at the table.
- Customize to Taste: Set out additional toppings such as hot sauce, crispy bacon bits, or extra grated cheese so everyone can customize their serving to their liking.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat Properly: To reheat, transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat larger portions in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed to your liking.
- Freeze for Later: If you want to freeze leftovers, portion them into individual servings or airtight freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Revitalize Before Serving: When reheating leftover mac and cheese, you may want to add a splash of milk or cream to help restore its creamy texture. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
