Ingredients
– 8 ounces elbow macaroni
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cups milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
Creating Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
4. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Add Cheeses: Remove from heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until well combined.
8. Prepare for Baking: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Cool Slightly: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish effortlessly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g