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: 6-8Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 45 minutesTotal 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 9x13-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.