If you're in the mood for some delicious and comforting cheesy goodness, look no further than this baked mac and cheese recipe. This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks and beyond.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, then cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake the mac and cheese for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, then enjoy!