Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.

Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Prepare the Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese, if using. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Assemble and Bake:

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Serve:

Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy and crispy dish as a main course or side dish.

This baked macaroni and cheese is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a comforting, cheesy dish. Let me know if you need any more tips or variations!