Creamy baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food dish loved by many. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for best results)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheese to the sauce gradually, stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is well coated.
- Bake: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Serve: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Enjoy your creamy baked mac and cheese!