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Monster Mac and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy twist on the classic macaroni and cheese, Monster Mac and Cheese is loaded with flavor and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs for a delightful experience.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Adds rich flavor
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For creaminess and texture
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened Ensure it's at room temperature for easy mixing
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk is recommended
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter For creating the roux
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Used to thicken the cheese sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Adds depth of flavor
  • 1 tsp onion powder Adds additional flavor
  • to taste Salt and pepper To season the sauce
Topping
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs For topping, can mix with melted butter for extra crunch

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking until it's lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat and add the soft cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  4. Incorporate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
Preparing to Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
Baking
  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Let it cool slightly, then serve it to your eager diners!

Notes

For added flavor variations, try different cheese combinations like Gruyère, pepper jack, or Gouda. This dish can be customized with toppings such as crumbled chips or sautéed veggies.