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Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Your Ultimate Comfort Bowl

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a satisfying dish featuring gooey cheese and tender pasta, perfect for comforting meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or cavatappi or shells
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter essential for roux
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour gluten-free flour can be used
  • 2 cups whole milk luxurious base
  • 1 cup heavy cream luxurious base
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder optional
  • 1 teaspoon paprika adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese opt for sharp
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese provides gooey stretch
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese adds nutty flavor
For the Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large Pot
  • medium saucepan
  • spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water for about 6-7 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour until bubbly.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of cream, cooking for 4-6 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Reduce heat to low, add 2 cups of cheddar, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of parmesan, stirring until melted.
  7. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated.
  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and customize with veggies or bacon if desired.
  9. Mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over mac and cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden; broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crisp.
  11. Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This recipe is customizable; feel free to add vegetables or proteins as desired.

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