Homemade Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Homemade Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This classic comfort food is elevated by a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of cheeses, combined with perfectly cooked macaroni and baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate dish for cheese lovers, guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

For the Macaroni and Cheese:
– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

For the Topping:
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works great)
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
– Drain the macaroni and set aside.

2. Prepare the cheese sauce:
– In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Be careful not to let it brown.
– Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
– Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
– Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Combine pasta and sauce:
– Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.

4. Prepare the topping:
– In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix well.

5. Assemble the dish:
– Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
– Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.

6. Bake:
– Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling.

7. Serve:
– Remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy indulgence with a comforting crunch on top!

This Homemade Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you crave comfort food at its finest.