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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Topping (optional)
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- 2
Cook the Elbow Macaroni
Add 8 cups of elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 3
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.
Preparing Cheese Sauce
- 4
- 5
Make the Roux
Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the melted butter. Whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- 6
Add Milk
Gradually pour in 4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 7
Incorporate Cheeses
Reduce heat to low and mix in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 8 oz of cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- 8
Combining and Baking
- 9
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is well coated.
- 10
Prepare for Baking
If desired, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
- 11
Add Toppings
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- 12
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.