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Cozy Creamy Mac and Cheese That Comforts Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Andria
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Cozy Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Finished with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is baked to bubbly perfection, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (optional)

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
  2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and slightly golden, which will help thicken the sauce.
  3. Add milk and thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Melt the cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses until completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is evenly coated.
  6. Prepare the topping (optional): If using breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
  7. Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Let the dish cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your comforting homemade mac and cheese!

Notes

  • For a crispier topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version.
  • For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream when mixing the cheese sauce.
  • Use gluten-free flour and pasta for a gluten-free version.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheddar mac and cheese

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Find it online: https://cookwithandria.com/cozy-creamy-mac-and-cheese-that-comforts-recipe/