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BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE

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1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, making sure it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. The roux will help thicken the sauce.
  3. Gradually add the milk (and cream, if using), whisking constantly to ensure the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. Once thickened, add the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta in the cheesy sauce.

4. Assemble the Baked Mac and Cheese:

  1. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

5. Bake:

  1. Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve:

  1. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese!

Tips:

  • Extra Cheese: Feel free to use a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack, for a unique twist on this classic.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a bit of heat.
  • Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time. Just refrigerate it before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
  • Creamier Version: If you like your mac and cheese extra creamy, you can substitute some of the milk for heavy cream or add extra cheese.

This Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect comfort food—rich, creamy, and perfectly baked with a crispy topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit at any table! Enjoy!

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