🧀 Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)

• Salt (for boiling water)

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2½ cups milk (warm is best)

• 1 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack, shredded

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Optional: ¼ tsp mustard powder or a splash of hot sauce

Topping

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko is great)

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Boil macaroni in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the roux
   Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
   In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (don’t brown it).

3. Make it creamy
   Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth (about 3–5 minutes).

4. Add the cheese & seasoning
   Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
   Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and optional mustard/hot sauce.

5. Combine
   Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.

6. Assemble
   Pour into a greased baking dish.
   Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle on top.

7. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

8. Rest & serve
   Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving (hardest part 😌).