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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 3 cups whole milk - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) I love using these ingredients for my creamy baked mac and cheese. The elbow macaroni brings a nice bite. Using three types of cheese gives a rich and gooey texture. Sharp cheddar makes it bold, while mozzarella adds stretch. Parmesan brings a salty kick. For seasoning, I use Dijon mustard for depth. Garlic and onion powders add warmth. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Salt and pepper balance the flavors nicely. The panko breadcrumbs create a delicious crunch on top. Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. When you combine these ingredients, you create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out Cheesy Dream Baked Mac & Cheese. - Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. - Drain and set aside. - Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. - Add the flour to create a roux and whisk for about 2 minutes. - Gradually whisk in the milk until thickened. - Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasonings. - Add the cheeses into the sauce until melted and smooth. - Fold in cooked elbow macaroni. - Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - Prepare breadcrumb topping and sprinkle evenly. - Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. This process makes the creamy baked mac and cheese a cozy dish that warms your heart. For the full recipe, check the details provided. - Always use whole milk for a richer sauce. - Gradually add cheese to ensure a smooth blend. For the best creamy texture, start with whole milk. It gives your sauce a rich taste. As you mix in the cheese, go slow. This helps it melt evenly without clumps. Stirring constantly makes a big difference. - Don’t skip the resting time before serving for better slicing. - Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent browning. Baking time is key to a perfect mac and cheese. After it bakes, let it rest for five minutes. This helps the cheese set, making it easier to slice. When you cover it with foil, it keeps the top soft. You want that nice golden crust, but not too brown. - Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of cheese and parsley. - Drizzle with a little olive oil for added shine. Serving your mac and cheese in bowls makes it special. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top for color. Chopped parsley gives a fresh touch. A light drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. This makes your dish look as great as it tastes. For the full recipe, visit the link provided. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for a new taste. Try using Gruyère or Fontina cheese. They add a rich flavor that many love. For an extra creamy texture, mix in cream cheese. This will make your mac and cheese even smoother and more indulgent. Add a savory twist to your dish with cooked bacon or pancetta. They bring a nice crunch and saltiness that balances the creaminess. For a healthier option, mix in steamed broccoli or peas. These add-ins not only boost nutrition but also add a pop of color to your meal. If you like some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. They bring a fresh flavor that pairs well with the cheese. Another option is to include a dash of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce. This will give your mac and cheese a warm, spicy finish that many enjoy. Exploring these variations can enhance your mac and cheese experience. For the full recipe and more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your creamy baked mac and cheese, let it cool completely. This step keeps moisture in check. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy later without losing flavor. When it's time to eat your leftovers, use an oven or stovetop for the best results. The microwave can dry it out. Add a splash of milk when reheating. This extra milk helps keep the dish creamy and tasty, just like when it was fresh. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Portion out your mac and cheese into smaller containers. This way, you can grab just what you need. It stays good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the container overnight in the fridge before baking again. This helps maintain its delicious flavor. Yes, prepare the dish and refrigerate before baking. This saves time and effort. You can bake it later for a hot meal. You can substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta like penne or shells. This gives you variety and fun shapes to enjoy. Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy dish. Yes, feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses for a unique flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda all work well together. Properly stored, leftovers should last about 3 days in the fridge. Just reheat them before serving for a quick meal. Covering it with foil initially can help it bake evenly without burning the top. You can uncover it later for a crispy finish. This blog post shared a simple and tasty mac and cheese recipe. We covered the main ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you create a creamy dish. I included tips for baking, variations to try, and storage ideas to keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make it your own. Whether for family or a gathering, this dish shines every time. Happy cooking!

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Dream Baked Mac & Cheese recipe! Perfectly creamy and delightfully cheesy, this dish features a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan with a golden, crunchy topping. Easy to make in just 50 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this heavenly dish!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for added flavor)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

        Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color (this is your roux).

          Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

            Remove from heat, then stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.

              Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

                Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.

                  Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

                    In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter to create a crumb topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese.

                      Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

                        Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

                          Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                            - Presentation Tips: Scoop the baked mac and cheese into individual bowls and top with an extra sprinkle of cheese and parsley for a colorful touch.