CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE recipe

Here’s a delicious recipe for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese:

Ingredients:

Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)

Instructions:

Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cheese Sauce:

2. Make the Roux:
   • In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color and the raw flour smell is gone.
3. Add Milk:
   • Gradually add the milk (or half-and-half), whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
4. Add Cheese:
   • Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère (if using). Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
   • Season with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika if desired. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Assembly and Baking:

6. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and paprika. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well coated with butter.
7. Assemble the Dish:
   • Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges.
9. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked mac and cheese!

This recipe serves about 6-8 people and is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a potluck gathering. Enjoy!