Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese

Picture this: a chilly evening, the warmth of your home enveloping you like a soft blanket, and the tantalizing aroma of baked macaroni and cheese wafting through the air. This is the quintessential comfort food experience that makes every bite of cheesy baked mac & cheese feel like a warm hug. It’s the dish that transports us back to our childhood, evoking memories of family gatherings, cozy dinners, and the sheer joy of indulging in something deliciously creamy and cheesy.

Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese, a dish that warms the soul and evokes childhood nostalgia. With creamy cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this recipe combines rich flavors and textures for a meal everyone will love. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, it’s a timeless staple that you can customize for endless enjoyment. Get ready to create delicious memories! #MacandCheese #ComfortFood #CheesyGoodness #BakedMacaroni #FoodieFavorites

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Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cups milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Seasoning: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the macaroni and cheese.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6