Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A Creamy and Comforting Classic
Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a timeless dish that combines tender pasta with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this dish is sure to be a hit. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this comforting classic, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
Salt for boiling water
For the Cheese Sauce:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
For the Topping:
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
