Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe. The perfect blend of creamy sauce and cheesy goodness makes it a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or craving a warm, satisfying dish, this recipe guarantees a rich and indulgent experience that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing gently to ensure the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the macaroni and cheese for a crispy golden topping.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
This creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe delivers the perfect balance of textures, from the creamy sauce to the crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s an easy-to-make yet flavorful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Whether served as a main course or side dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy every cheese lover’s cravings. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates an ideal melt, while the Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth of flavor.