Certainly! Here’s a recipe for creamy baked mac and cheese:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the roux is light golden brown.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the mustard powder, if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Bake the Mac and Cheese:
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese for added texture and crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Enjoy this creamy baked mac and cheese as a comforting and satisfying dish for any occasion!