Are you ready to embark on a cheesy adventure? This isn’t just any ordinary baked macaroni and cheese; this is the creamy, dreamy, gooey delight that will make your taste buds dance! Get your forks ready because we’re about to dive into a bowl of pure happiness.
Creamy Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese
First things first, let’s feast our eyes on this masterpiece:
This dish isn’t just comfort food; it’s the ultimate hug in a bowl. Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the ingredients that will transform you into a cheesy hero in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want it nice and cozy for our cheesy creation!
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while we concoct the cheese magic.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until it turns golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until smooth, then continue to cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens a bit. That’s some lovely sauce you’ve got there!
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground mustard (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and you’ve got a bubbling vat of gooey goodness.
- Now, combine the macaroni and cheese sauce in your pot and stir until well mixed. This is where the magic happens! Embrace the cheesy love.
- Transfer the cheesy macaroni into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for that extra crispy crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. The wait will be the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it!
- Once baked, let it cool slightly, then dig in and savor every cheesy bite!
And there you have it! Your very own creamy, dreamy baked macaroni and cheese. It’s the perfect dish to share… or not. No judgment here! Enjoy your cheesy creation and bask in the glory of your cooking prowess!