Nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of mac and cheese on a cold day. This creamy macaroni and cheese recipe is easy to make and will satisfy any appetite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the Panko breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy!
This creamy macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or as a comforting side dish for a holiday feast. It's a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!