– 1 pound elbow macaroni
– 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Follow these steps to create your Irresistibly Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, cooking for 2 minutes until it forms a roux.
4. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Incorporate Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni and cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well-coated.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
These steps will guide you in creating this creamy, cheesy masterpiece effortlessly.