Baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with its creamy, cheesy sauce and golden, crispy bread crumb topping. This classic dish is perfect for family dinner, potlucks or holidays. The combination of tender pasta, rich cheese sauce and a crispy baked top makes this dish irresistible.
INGREDIENTS:
For the pasta and sauce:
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? 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
? 1/4 cup unsalted butter
? 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
? 3 cups whole milk (or half and half for extra creaminess)
? 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
? 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
? 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
? 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
? 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
? Salt and pepper, to taste
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For the topping:
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? 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
? 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
? 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
? 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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INSTRUCTIONS:
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1. Cook the pasta:
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Preheat your oven to 350¡ãF (175¡ãC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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2. Make cheese sauce
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In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is smooth.
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3. Combine pasta and sauce
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Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is coated evenly.
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4. Assemble the casserole
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Pour the mac and cheese in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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5. Prepare topping
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In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
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6. Bake
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Bake the mac and cheese for 20 to 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
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7. Serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
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This baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy and perfectly baked, with a crunchy topping that makes it the ultimate comfort dish for any occasion!
