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Baked Mac Cheese: 10 Reasons You’ll Love This Comfort Dish

Baked Mac Cheese

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Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  9. Prepare Topping (Optional): If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  11. 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.

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