CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

# **Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food**

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that holds a special place in many hearts. Whether you grew up with it as a staple in your household or discovered it later in life, there’s no denying the appeal of a creamy, cheesy bowl of this beloved dish. But what makes a mac and cheese recipe stand out from the rest? It’s the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and that golden, crispy topping that makes every bite irresistible. This **Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese** recipe does just that, bringing you the ultimate mac and cheese experience that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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## **Why You’ll Love Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese**

– **Creamy, Rich, and Velvety**: The secret to this mac and cheese is the creamy sauce that coats every noodle. It’s rich, velvety, and full of flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of cheeses.
– **Golden, Crispy Topping**: While the inside is all about creamy goodness, the baked topping provides that perfect crunch, making it the ultimate comfort food combination.
– **Easy to Make**: While it may sound fancy, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and some time in the oven for that gooey perfection.
– **A Crowd-Pleaser**: Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a potluck, or holiday gathering, this creamy baked mac and cheese is sure to impress and please everyone at the table.

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## **Ingredients for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese**

To make this cheesy, creamy delight, you’ll need just a few staple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

### **For the Mac and Cheese**:
– 8 ounces **elbow macaroni** (or any pasta shape of your choice)
– 3 cups **whole milk** (or half-and-half for an even creamier version)
– 2 cups **shredded sharp cheddar cheese**
– 1 cup **shredded mozzarella cheese**
– 1/2 cup **grated Parmesan cheese**
– 1/4 cup **unsalted butter**
– 2 tablespoons **all-purpose flour**
– 1 teaspoon **garlic powder**
– 1/2 teaspoon **onion powder**
– Salt and **freshly cracked black pepper**, to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon **mustard powder** (optional, for added depth of flavor)

### **For the Topping**:
– 1/2 cup **bread crumbs** (panko works great for extra crunch)
– 2 tablespoons **butter**, melted
– Extra **Parmesan cheese** for sprinkling on top

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## **How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese**

### **Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
Start by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water, following the package instructions. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

### **Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce**
In a large saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the **flour**, whisking constantly to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly but without letting it brown.

Slowly pour in the **milk**, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens up.

Next, reduce the heat to low and begin adding the cheeses. Stir in the **sharp cheddar**, **mozzarella**, and **Parmesan** cheeses, a handful at a time, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **mustard powder**, **salt**, and **pepper** to taste.

### **Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce**
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated with the creamy mixture.

### **Step 4: Prepare the Topping**
In a small bowl, combine the **bread crumbs** with the melted **butter**. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.

### **Step 5: Bake the Mac and Cheese**
Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the **bread crumb topping** over the top of the mac and cheese. For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle a little more **Parmesan** cheese on top.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the edges are bubbling.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once out of the oven, allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or some crispy chicken. But honestly, it’s so delicious, it’s perfect all on its own.

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