Creamy Cheesy Baked Macaroni Bliss
This creamy and cheesy baked macaroni dish is a comforting classic that is perfect for any occasion. It's rich, indulgent, and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux.
- Gradually add the whole milk, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well-coated.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra cheesy finish, top with more cheese before baking.