– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 3 cups whole milk
– ¼ cup unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
Creating the Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a breeze with these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly.
These straightforward steps ensure that you achieve that creamy, cheesy perfection everyone loves!