Description
Comfort classics reach new heights with this good old fashion mac and cheese, a creamy symphony of melted cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta. Hearty layers of flavor promise a nostalgic journey that connects generations through simple, soul-warming ingredients you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Pasta Ingredients:
- 450 g / 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure smooth release and prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes, ensuring the pasta remains slightly firm.
- Drain the pasta in a colander, then immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- In a spacious saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes golden and fragrant, creating a rich base for the cheese sauce.
- Whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy liquid foundation.
- Gradually incorporate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and the sauce becomes silky and uniform.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, adjusting to taste and creating a robust flavor profile.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese across the top, creating a golden, crispy crust that adds textural contrast.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the dish to set and the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- Prevent Pasta Overcooking by monitoring closely during boiling, aiming for a firm al dente texture that maintains its shape in the creamy sauce.
- Enhance Cheese Flavor by using high-quality sharp cheddar and experimenting with aged cheeses like gruyère or fontina for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni and using gluten-free breadcrumbs for the crispy topping.
- Boost Nutritional Value by incorporating roasted vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli directly into the mac and cheese, adding extra nutrients and subtle flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg