– 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
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creating this Irresistibly Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is simple if you follow these easy steps:
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 elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure all pasta is coated.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
These steps will guide you in creating a delicious baked mac and cheese that’s sure to impress!