The Best Baked Mac and Cheese: Creamy Cheddar with a Golden, Crispy Topping

Looking for a rich and satisfying comfort food? This Best Baked Mac and Cheese with creamy cheddar sauce and a crispy golden topping is a game-changer! Whether you’re craving something cheesy and indulgent or simply need a hearty dish to feed a crowd, this mac and cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its rich, smooth cheese sauce and perfectly baked top, this mac and cheese will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make it!

Ingredients:

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save a small amount of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes, cooking to create a roux. This thickens the sauce.
3. Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
4. Lower the heat, then add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy.
5. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta in the creamy mixture.
2. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. This will create a delicious, crunchy topping.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
3. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, cheesy comfort food!

Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese:

• For a more complex flavor, consider adding a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, or Parmesan in addition to the cheddar and mozzarella.
• If you prefer a spicier mac and cheese, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• To make this dish even richer, stir in some cream cheese for added creaminess.
• For extra flavor, you can also add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or roasted garlic.

Conclusion:

This Best Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy topping. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this mac and cheese is bound to be a crowd favorite. Try it out today and enjoy the warmth, richness, and indulgence of homemade mac and cheese!