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Baked Mac and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy baked mac and cheese that is a classic comfort food, customizable to your tastes and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheeses
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce Base
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping (optional)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Optional for topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  4. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk for about 1 minute.
  5. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it thicken for about 5 minutes.
Combining Sauce and Macaroni
  1. Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  3. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
  4. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
  5. If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Notes

For extra creaminess, try mixing in a little cream cheese or sour cream into the cheese sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.