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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese That Will Melt Your Heart

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a luscious cheese sauce and a crispy topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Substitute with penne or rotini if desired.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Milk Whole milk is best.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can be a lighter alternative.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Margarine is a suitable substitute.
  • 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Can use gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Opt for low-sodium if preferred.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper White pepper works for milder flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can spice things up.
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder Try sautéed chopped onion for added flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon Paprika Enhances color and adds smoky warmth.
  • 3 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Feel free to mix in Gruyère or mozzarella.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs can be an alternative.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan and whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Remove from heat and add the cheddar cheese until melted.
  6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl until well coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs on top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Add crispy bacon or sautéed veggies for a personal twist. Allow to rest before serving for best texture.

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