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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of creamy baked mac and cheese. This dish, characterized by its gooey cheese sauce and tender pasta, is a staple in many households, cherished by children and adults alike. While pre-packaged versions can be found in supermarkets, nothing compares to the rich, satisfying flavors and textures of a homemade recipe. Crafting your own mac and cheese allows you to tailor the ingredients to your liking, ensuring the perfect balance of creaminess and cheesiness.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this creamy classic baked mac and cheese! Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this homemade dish features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and customizable flavors, it's a recipe that's sure to delight all ages. Discover how to make this deliciously nostalgic dish from scratch today! #MacAndCheese #ComfortFood #HomemadeRecipes #CheesyGoodness #BakedMacAndCheese
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

3 cups whole milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.

        Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5-7 minutes.

          Mix in the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta.

              Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are evenly coated.

                Assemble and Bake: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.

                  Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

                    Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6