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Creamy Mac and Cheese

A heartwarming bowl of creamy mac and cheese that combines gooey cheese with tender pasta, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer for an irresistible comfort food experience.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded plus more for topping
  • 2 cups milk room temperature
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Topping Ingredients
  • 1 cup toasted breadcrumbs for topping
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for breadcrumbs

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
  2. Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Remove the pot from heat and slowly mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Combining and Baking
  1. Fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring all the pasta is covered in the delicious cheese sauce.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this over the mac and cheese.
  4. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
  5. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and enjoy your delicious comfort food!

Notes

For variations, consider adding cooked chicken or vegetables. You can also use gluten-free pasta or vegan cheese.