Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese – A Comfort Food Classic
Discover our recipe for creamy homemade mac and cheese – perfect for family dinners and cozy nights in. With a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Baking Dish (9x13-inch) – For baking the mac and cheese.
Large Mixing Bowl – For mixing the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
Zutaten
1lbelbow macaronior any pasta of choice
4tablespoonsunsalted butter
¼cupall-purpose flour
2cupswhole milk
1cupheavy cream
2teaspoonsDijon mustardoptional
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoononion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
3cupsshredded cheddar cheese
1 ½cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
½cupgrated parmesan cheese
1cupbreadcrumbsoptional, for topping
2tablespoonsbutteroptional, for topping
Anleitungen
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the Cheese:
Lower the heat and gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the cheesy pasta mixture into it. For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top and dot with small pieces of butter.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
Notizen
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Emmental for different flavors.Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.Make Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.