Description
This Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort dish made with a rich cheese sauce and baked to perfection with a golden breadcrumb topping. It combines elbow macaroni with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, enhanced with garlic and mustard powder for a subtle depth of flavor, ideal for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving after baking.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring continuously, for about 1 minute to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the sauce with subtle, savory flavors.
- Melt Cheese into Sauce: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Pour this mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping (Optional): Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese if desired. This adds a delicious crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter option.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for variation.
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to thicken and set.
