– 8 ounces elbow macaroni
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Creating the Irresistibly Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is straightforward. Follow these steps for a scrumptious result:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese for a crunchy topping.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color before serving.