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Homemade Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food at Its BestNothing beats the creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade mac and cheese. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- Elbow macaroni: 2 cups (or your favorite short pasta)
- Salt: For boiling water
For the Cheese Sauce:
- Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons
- Milk: 2 1/2 cups (whole milk for creaminess)
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Optional: A pinch of paprika for extra flavor
For the Topping:
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cheeses until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is coated.
4. Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
5. Bake the Mac and Cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy your creamy, homemade mac and cheese!
This recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a holiday side dish. It's easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or toppings for a personal touch.