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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust.
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Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Whisk
  • - 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • - Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • **For the Cheese Sauce:**
  • - 12 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite short pasta
  • - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • - 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • - 3 cups whole milk warmed
  • - 1 cup heavy cream warmed
  • - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • - ½ tsp garlic powder
  • - ½ tsp onion powder
  • - ½ tsp paprika
  • - ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • - ¼ tsp black pepper
  • - 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • - 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • **For the Topping:**
  • - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • - 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • - 1 tsp dried parsley optional

Instructions
 

  • **Cook the Pasta:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • **Make the Roux:** In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  • **Add Milk and Cream:** Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cream, ensuring no lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  • **Season the Sauce:** Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • **Add Cheese:** Reduce heat to low and add cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • **Combine with Pasta:** Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
  • **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Pour the macaroni and cheese into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • **Prepare the Topping:** In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
  • **Bake:** Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
  • **Serve:** Let the mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving.