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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe – Easy 3-Step Homemade Comfort

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This creamy mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a silky homemade cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a buttery crumb topping. Quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta—shells or cavatappi work great)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (180g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (90g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (45g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (20g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and pale golden.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, mustard powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
  6. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. For the topping, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block for smoother melting. Don’t overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Add a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and flour. Add veggies or protein for variations. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, baked macaroni, easy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, kid-friendly, potluck, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-3-step-homemade-comfort/