Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Author:inass sped
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:44 minutes
Total Time:54 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly until all the pasta is coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Prepare Topping (Optional): If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use different types of cheese for varied flavors.
For added texture, consider adding cooked bacon or vegetables.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.