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The best Mac and cheese recipe
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Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Course Recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Author Cristy

Ingredients

  • Pasta:
  • 8 oz. elbow pasta
  • 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • Topping:
  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Sauce:
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 3 cups warmed milk
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • Seasonings:
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. mustard powder

Instructions

  • Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add macaroni and cook per packet directions.
  • Drain, return pasta to pot, add butter and toss until melted. Set aside to cool while making the sauce.
  • Topping: Mix together topping. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. 
  • Add about 1 cup of the milk and mix with a whisk to dissolve the paste into the milk. Then add remaining milk and mix until lump free.
  • Mix in salt and seasonings.
  • Cook, whisking regularly, for 5 to 8 minutes until thickened to a cream consistency.
  • Remove from stove, add cheese and stir - cheese doesn't need to melt. 
  • Adjust salt to taste. 
  • Pour sauce into pot with macaroni. Stir quickly, then pour back into the baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until top is light golden. 
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy!