Cozy Creamy Mac and Cheese That Comforts Recipe
Introduction
This cozy creamy mac and cheese is a classic comfort food favorite that warms you up from the inside out. Perfectly tender elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s an easy dish to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until completely melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the creamy cheese sauce, mixing until every piece is well-coated.
- Step 6: If using breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Step 7: Transfer to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
- Try different cheeses like gouda or fontina for varied flavors.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener and gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them for the topping. Confirm your pasta is gluten-free as well.
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Cozy Creamy Mac and Cheese That Comforts Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cozy creamy mac and cheese recipe delivers a comforting blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses enveloping tender elbow macaroni, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a classic, satisfying dish perfect for any occasion that calls for warm, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes bubbly and lightly golden, which helps to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every piece evenly.
- Prepare the topping (optional): If using breadcrumbs, combine them with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake the mac and cheese: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
- Serve warm: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cozy mac and cheese!
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream.
- Feel free to mix different cheeses like gouda or fontina for varying flavors.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer a crunchy topping, broil the breadcrumbs for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, classic mac and cheese
