Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and set aside: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to reserve a bit of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Let it melt completely, but be careful not to let it brown.
- Add the flour: Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour to make a roux. Continue to cook, whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This helps eliminate the raw taste of the flour and thickens the sauce.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour in 3 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season the sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add the garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder(if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Add the cheeses: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- Mix the pasta and cheese sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Ensure that every piece of pasta is covered with the cheesy goodness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Optional garnish: If desired, add chopped parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra pop of color.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Top with breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. For an extra crispy crust, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, but be sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Cool slightly: Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese sauce set slightly and makes it easier to scoop.
- Serve: Garnish with extra chopped parsley, if desired, and serve as a main dish or alongside your favorite protein, such as roasted chicken or grilled steak.
Tips for Success:
- For a richer flavor: Use half-and-half or heavy cream in place of the milk for an even creamier sauce.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
- Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the macaroni and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Crunchy topping: For a more decadent topping, mix in some grated cheese with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them on top.
Conclusion:
This Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is everything you want in a classic comfort dish: rich, cheesy, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a holiday gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. It’s a timeless recipe that combines nostalgia with flavor, and it’s simple enough to prepare for even the busiest of weeknights. Enjoy!