Here’s a recipe for **Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese** — a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck!
### Ingredients:
#### For the Mac and Cheese:
– **1 lb elbow macaroni** (or your preferred pasta)
– **4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese** (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra creaminess)
– **1 1/2 cups whole milk**
– **1/2 cup heavy cream**
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter** (divided)
– **2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour**
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon onion powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt** (adjust to taste)
– **1/4 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika** (optional, for extra flavor)
– **1/2 teaspoon mustard powder** (optional, for tanginess)
– **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese** (for topping)
#### For the Topping:
– **1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs**
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter**, melted
### Instructions:
#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
#### 2. **Cook the Pasta**:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the **macaroni** according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-9 minutes).
– Drain the pasta and set aside.
#### 3. **Make the Cheese Sauce**:
– In a large saucepan, melt **1/4 cup butter** over medium heat. Add the **flour** and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
– Gradually whisk in the **milk** and **heavy cream**. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
– Lower the heat and add the **cheddar cheese** (reserve some for the topping), **Parmesan cheese**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **mustard powder** (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
#### 4. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**:
– Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Make sure all the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
#### 5. **Prepare the Topping**:
– In a small bowl, mix together the **panko breadcrumbs** and melted **butter**. Set aside.
#### 6. **Assemble and Bake**:
– Pour the creamy mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
– Sprinkle the reserved shredded **cheddar cheese** on top, followed by the **breadcrumb mixture**.
– Bake in the preheated oven for **20-25 minutes**, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
#### 7. **Serve**:
– Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food!
### Tips:
– **For a crispier top**, you can broil the dish for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
– You can also add extras like **bacon**, **chopped tomatoes**, or **chopped herbs** to customize the flavor.
– If you prefer a **saucier mac and cheese**, simply add more milk or cream to the sauce.
This **Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese** is perfect for any occasion and will definitely be a crowd-pleaser!