baked macaroni and cheese dish

🧀🍽️ Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

📝 Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)

• Salt, for boiling water

For the Cheese Sauce (Mornay Sauce):

• 4 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended)

• 1 cup heavy cream (optional; or use 4 cups milk total)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp mustard powder or 1 tsp Dijon (optional, enhances cheese flavor)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 3 cups shredded cheese, divided (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, gruyère, etc.)

  • +½ cup Parmesan (optional for added sharpness)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

• Optional: pinch of paprika, parsley, or grated Parmesan

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Set to 375°F (190°C).

• Grease a 9×13″ baking dish or similar casserole pan.

2. Cook the Pasta:

• Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions).

• Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

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

2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (don’t brown it).

3. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.

4. Add garlic powder, mustard, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until thickened.

6. Remove from heat and stir in 2½ cups of the shredded cheese + Parmesan (if using). Mix until melted.

4. Combine with Pasta:

• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.

• Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.

• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese over the top.

5. Prepare Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine melted butter with breadcrumbs and any seasoning.

• Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake:

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.

• Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for an extra crispy top (optional).

✅ Tips & Variations:

• Extra Creamy Version: Stir in 2 oz cream cheese with the shredded cheese.

• Add-ins: Bacon bits, sautéed onions, jalapeños, or diced ham.

• Spicy Version: Use pepper jack cheese or add a dash of cayenne.

Would you like a Southern-style version with eggs, a one-pot stovetop version, or a baked mac & cheese with lobster or pulled pork?