This Mac And Cheese Is Unbeatable

By
Mona R
-
Mac and Cheese
Photo by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this unbeatable mac and cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious, this homemade version will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering, this classic dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of whole milk
  • 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, crispy bacon bits

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or individual ramekins with butter or cooking spray.Cook the elbow macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until cooked well. Drain and set aside. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook the roux, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  2. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  3. Stir in the Dijon mustard and garlic powder, then season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the cooked macaroni or pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish or ramekins, spreading it out evenly.
  4. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese for a crispy topping. Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley and crispy bacon bits, if desired. Serve your unbeatable mac and cheese hot and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta!