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Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese

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This Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese is a comforting classic featuring tender pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty dinner or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 250g elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a medium baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly bubbling but not browned.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and cheeses (reserve a little cheddar and Parmesan for topping).
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine evenly.
  7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheeses and breadcrumbs evenly on top. Dust with paprika if using.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or use a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina. Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Find it online: https://seasonedrecipe.com/creamy-baked-macaroni-cheese/