Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
•1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
•Salt for boiling water
For the Sauce:
•4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
•4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
•4 cups whole milk (or a mix of milk and cream for extra creaminess)
•1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
•2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional but adds depth)
•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
•1/2 teaspoon onion powder
•1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
•Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
•3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
•1 cup shredded mozzarella (or another melty cheese like Gruyère)
For the Topping:
•1 cup panko breadcrumbs
•2 tablespoons melted butter
•1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
1.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
1.In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux) and loses its raw flour taste.
2.Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
3.Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4.Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.
3. Assemble:
1.Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to coat all the pasta evenly.
2.Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Prepare the Topping:
1.In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
2.Sprinkle the topping evenly over the macaroni.
5. Bake:
1.Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
2.Let it cool slightly before serving.
Optional Add-Ins:
•Protein: Cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or lobster.
•Veggies: Roasted broccoli, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
Flavor Enhancements:
1.Different Cheeses: Use a mix of cheeses for more complexity. Try Gruyère, Gouda, Fontina, Monterey Jack, Havarti, or blue cheese.
2.Spices and Herbs: Add nutmeg, cayenne pepper, fresh thyme, or chives to complement the creamy base.
3.Truffle Oil: Drizzle a bit of truffle oil into the cheese sauce for an upscale flavor.
Creative Toppings:
1.Cheese Layer: Sprinkle an extra layer of shredded cheese over the breadcrumbs for an ultra-cheesy crust.
2.Crushed Chips or Crackers: Use crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or even Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for a fun and crispy topping.
3.Herb Butter: Mix chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the melted butter for the topping.
Protein Add-Ins:
1.Seafood: Add chunks of cooked lobster, crab, or shrimp for a decadent seafood mac.
2.Meat: Toss in crispy bacon, diced ham, or cooked sausage for added heartiness.
3.Chicken: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken pieces.
Vegetable Additions:
1.Broccoli or Cauliflower: Lightly steam and fold into the pasta before baking.
2.Spinach or Kale: Sauté and add for a nutritional boost.
3.Caramelized Onions: Stir in sweet caramelized onions for a burst of flavor.
Make It Spicy:
1.Add diced jalapeños or red chili flakes to the cheese sauce.
2.Top with a drizzle of sriracha, buffalo sauce, or hot honey.
Texture Enhancements:
1.Crunchy Nuts: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
2.Seeds: Add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to the topping for extra crunch.
Presentation Ideas:
1.Individual Servings: Bake in small ramekins or muffin tins for perfectly portioned servings.
2.Skillet Style: Use a cast-iron skillet to make and serve for a rustic look.
3.Breadcrumb Art: Create a pattern or design with breadcrumbs or cheese on top for visual flair.
Let me know if you’d like recipes for any of these variations!
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and comforting baked mac and cheese!