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Ultimate Comfort: Homemade Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a Light Breadcrumb Topping

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, affectionately known as “mac and cheese,” is the quintessential comfort food—a dish that transcends generations, cultures, and backgrounds. The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender pasta is a culinary masterpiece that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 16 oz (1 pound) elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s “al dente.” This usually takes about 1-2 minutes less than the suggested cooking time, as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

• In a large saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and bubbling, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The roux should turn a light golden color.
• Slowly pour in the whole milk while continuing to whisk. Cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and gradually add in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses, reserving a portion of the cheddar cheese for topping. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
• Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

4. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

• Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

5. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:

• In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter and seasoning.

6. Layering and Baking:

• Transfer half of the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of the reserved shredded cheddar cheese on top of this layer.
• Add the remaining mac and cheese mixture on top of the cheddar layer.
• Finally, evenly spread the breadcrumb topping over the entire surface of the mac and cheese.

7. Bake to Perfection:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the cheese underneath is bubbly and creamy.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

• Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven.

Additional Tips:

• You can customize your mac and cheese by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
• If you like a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Don’t have breadcrumbs? You can use crushed crackers or even panko breadcrumbs for the topping.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this homemade baked mac and cheese with its delightful breadcrumb topping. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you crave a hearty and satisfying meal.