Baked Mac and Cheese

$- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups milk (whole or 2%) - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon paprika - Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra cheese for topping - Drizzle of olive oil I love using these simple, fresh ingredients to make baked mac and cheese. The elbow macaroni provides a perfect base for the creamy sauce. I always choose sharp cheddar cheese for its bold flavor. Mixing in mozzarella adds extra creaminess. To start, I melt unsalted butter in a pot. Then, I whisk in all-purpose flour to make a roux. This step helps thicken the cheese sauce. I slowly add milk, stirring until it thickens. Now comes the fun part! I add garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. These spices give an extra boost to the flavor. I season with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika for color. For a finishing touch, I like to add optional garnishes. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Extra cheese makes it even more indulgent. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice shine. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This baked mac and cheese will bring joy to any meal! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook elbow macaroni until al dente and drain. To start, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking. While the oven heats, I cook my elbow macaroni. I use a large pot of boiling salted water. I cook the macaroni just until al dente. This means it should still have a little bite. After cooking, I drain it well and set it aside. - Create a roux with butter and flour. - Whisk in milk until thickened, then add spices and cheese. Next, I make the cheese sauce. I melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts, I whisk in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This mix is called a roux. I cook it for about one to two minutes until it turns light golden. Then, I gradually whisk in two cups of milk. I make sure there are no lumps. This step takes about five minutes, and the sauce thickens nicely. Now comes the fun part! I stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper for flavor. Finally, I add two cups of sharp cheddar cheese and one cup of mozzarella cheese. I mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. - Combine macaroni with cheese sauce. - Transfer to a baking dish, add breadcrumb topping, and bake. After making the sauce, I fold the cooked macaroni into it. I want every piece of pasta to be coated. Then, I pour the mac and cheese mix into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. For a crunchy topping, I combine breadcrumbs with a sprinkle of paprika in a small bowl. I spread this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. I place the dish in the preheated oven. I bake it for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. When it’s done, I take it out and let it sit for about five minutes before serving. This baked mac and cheese is a cheesy delight! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make a smooth cheese sauce, start with a roux. Mix equal parts butter and flour in a pot. Whisk until it turns light golden. Slowly add milk while whisking. This helps avoid lumps. If you want great flavor, use sharp cheddar and mozzarella. These cheeses melt well and taste amazing together. For a crispy top, bake your mac and cheese for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. The top should turn a nice golden brown. To get an even crust, spread the breadcrumb topping evenly. You can also stir the mixture halfway through baking for extra crunch. Make your dish look appealing by serving in individual bowls. You can also garnish with fresh parsley for color. For sides, consider a simple salad or roasted veggies. Pairing with a light drink, like lemonade or iced tea, complements the rich flavors of the mac and cheese. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas! {{image_2}} Adding flavor can take baked mac and cheese to a new level. You can mix in cooked bacon or sausage for a hearty twist. Just cook the meat first, then chop it and fold it into the cheese sauce. This adds a nice, smoky taste. You can also sneak in some veggies. Broccoli and spinach work great. Just steam them first, then mix them in. This adds color and nutrition. You can feel good about adding some greens! If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free macaroni and breadcrumbs. Many brands offer tasty choices that work well. You won’t lose any flavor! For those who are lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cheese. There are many great brands out there that melt nicely. This way, everyone can enjoy your baked mac and cheese, no matter their diet. Want to spice things up? Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This gives your dish a fun kick. Just be careful not to add too much, or it might be too hot for some. Another way to add heat is by using pepper jack cheese. This cheese has a nice flavor and adds a little spice. Mixing it with cheddar gives you a creamy, flavorful sauce that everyone will love. For the full recipe, check out Cheesy Delight Baked Mac & Cheese! To keep leftover baked mac and cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. It can stay in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This method helps prevent freezer burn and keeps your dish tasting great. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them right is key. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to help keep it creamy. Heat for about 20 minutes. If you want, add a splash of milk before baking to restore some creaminess. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat it in one-minute bursts, stirring in between, until it's hot. In the fridge, your baked mac and cheese lasts about four days. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it has an off smell or shows mold, it's time to throw it away. Keeping track of your leftovers helps you enjoy them at their best. To make baked mac and cheese from scratch, follow these steps: 1. Cook 8 oz of elbow macaroni in salted water. Drain it when it’s al dente. 2. In a pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. 3. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook it for 1-2 minutes. 4. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. 5. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Stir in salt and pepper to taste. 6. Mix in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until smooth. 7. Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated. 8. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. 9. Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until the top is golden. You can use various cheeses in macaroni and cheese. Sharp cheddar gives great flavor. Mozzarella adds creaminess. Gruyère or fontina can enhance the dish. Mixing cheeses creates unique tastes. Cheese with good melting qualities works best. Avoid hard cheeses that don't melt well. Common add-ins can elevate your dish. Try cooked bacon or sausage for a savory touch. You can also mix in broccoli or spinach for some veggies. Adding jalapeños gives a spicy kick. For a crunchy topping, consider crushed chips or fried onions. To keep baked mac and cheese creamy, use whole milk or cream in your sauce. Avoid overcooking the pasta. Always stir in cheese while the sauce is hot. Don’t bake too long; remove it when the top is golden. Let it rest briefly before serving. Baking mac and cheese uncovered gives a crispy top. Covered baking helps it steam and stay moist. You can start covered to keep it creamy, then uncover to brown the top. To serve a crowd, double or triple the recipe. Use large pots for cooking. Bake in bigger dishes, like a 9x13 inch pan. Ensure even cooking by stirring well before baking. You can prepare it in advance and bake just before serving. Check the Full Recipe for all details! This blog post covered all you need for delicious baked mac and cheese. We explored key ingredients and made a rich cheese sauce. You learned tips for perfecting your dish and even how to store it. Don’t forget the variations to cater to different tastes. With these steps, you can create a creamy, cheesy delight. Now, go ahead and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills! Enjoy every cheesy bite!$

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Delight Baked Mac & Cheese recipe! With creamy cheddar and mozzarella blended into perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, this dish promises to satisfy every cheese lover's cravings. Follow our simple steps for a crispy breadcrumb topping and a deliciously gooey interior. Ready to impress your family at dinner? Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring cheesy goodness to your table!

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Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard powder

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden.

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, followed by the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined.

Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and paprika, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve in individual bowls or ramekins for a more personal touch. Optionally, drizzle with a bit of olive oil or sprinkle extra cheese on top before returning to the oven for a few minutes to melt. Enjoy!