Indulge in the timeless comfort of Classic Mac and Cheese, a dish that’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a golden, crispy top. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, this recipe offers the ultimate in nostalgic satisfaction. Rich cheddar cheese sauce coats tender elbow macaroni, baked to perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring warmth to the table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, crispy, and irresistibly delicious classic mac and cheese!