Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
The Ultimate Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. It is creamy, cheesy, warm, and very satisfying. This dish brings back happy memories of family dinners and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
Melt the Butter
- Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely without browning.
Add the Flour
- Sprinkle flour into the melted butter. Whisk constantly for one minute until smooth and lightly bubbly.
Pour in the Milk
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Add Seasonings
- Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Melt the Cheese
- Lower the heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan gradually. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece is well coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spoon.
Bake Until Golden
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for thirty minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly.
Rest Before Serving
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. This helps the sauce set nicely.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- Add breadcrumbs mixed with butter for a crunchy topping.
- Mix in cooked bacon or ham for extra richness.
- Add mustard powder for deeper cheese flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of milk for extra creaminess.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy twist.