Description
Mac and Cheese Delight brings comfort to your table with a luscious blend of melted cheeses and golden-brown crust. Rich, velvety pasta promises pure satisfaction for hungry souls craving classic American comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C (350F) and prepare a 2-quart baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until perfectly tender yet firm, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Create a velvety roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for approximately 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Slowly incorporate milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and maintain a smooth consistency. Simmer until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat and fold in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and integrated. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor.
- Gently fold cooked macaroni into the luxurious cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is generously coated.
- Transfer the cheesy mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Prepare the crispy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and additional Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become delightfully crispy and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. Serve warm as a comforting main dish or delectable side.
Notes
- Enhance cheese flavor by using a blend of sharp cheddar and mild cheeses for depth and complexity.
- Prevent dry mac and cheese by adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce for extra creaminess.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta.
- Boost nutritional value by mixing in roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 632 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg