Mac & Cheese Recipe
Creamy macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Breadcrumb Topping
Method
Pasta Preparation
- 1
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cheese Sauce Preparation
- 2
Make the Roux
In the same pot used for the pasta, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- 3
Add Milk
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add Cheeses and Seasoning
Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of onion powder.
Combining Ingredients
- 5
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Breadcrumb Topping Preparation
- 6
Prepare Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the mixture is well combined.
Baking
- 7
Bake the Mac & Cheese
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.