Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your baked macaroni and cheese will have the perfect golden crust.
-
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Make sure not to overcook it, as you want the pasta to be firm enough to hold up in the cheese sauce. Drain and set aside; the macaroni will absorb the flavors beautifully later on.
-
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to make a roux. This step is crucial as it creates the thick base for your cheese sauce. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour flavor.
-
Gradually whisk in the milk, constantly stirring until the mixture has thickened. The roux will help in achieving a tremendous creamy consistency. You’ll notice it becoming velvety in texture.
-
Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce. This combination brings layers of flavor to the dish. Next, stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until everything is melted and perfectly blended.
-
Pour this glorious cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Stir well to ensure that each piece of pasta is coated with the tremendous cheese goodness. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
-
Finally, top your macaroni and cheese with the breadcrumbs. This topping will provide a lovely crunch after baking. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until it’s golden and bubbly.
-
Let it cool slightly before serving. This waiting period will intensify the flavors while you take a moment to appreciate the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Continue reading on the next page 👇👇