Homemade Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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.