Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese is a staple in most homes and is so easy to make. If you have kids or are expecting some friends for an informal hangout, this Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a perfect way to be fancy with just a few extra steps. This creamy and cheesy pasta gets covered in a layer of delicious breadcrumbs and then broiled to get a crispy texture on top of the dish. It’s so easy, simple, and absolutely delicious that you might not even go back to boxed Mac and cheese ever again!

You can sprinkle parsley on top of the pasta to give the dish more color and light flavor.

The beautiful and aromatic sauce is packed with flavors like garlic, pepper, and sharp cheddar.

I love trying new pastas and different ways to enhance simple dishes in just a few more steps. Now, my husband HATES macaroni and cheese and he was very iffy when I told him that’s what we were having for dinner. However, I told him it would taste nothing like boxed Mac and so reluctantly he agreed. The minute he took his first bite he was in love with the dish! The sauce that I made is so cheesy and it gives such lovely texture to the pasta. The color is much lighter because the cheese is not processed, and the breadcrumbs added at the end helped give a bit of a crunch to the yummy dish. This macaroni and cheese is extremely different to your normal idea of the pasta recipe but that doesn’t mean it won’t satisfy your cravings!

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Prep Time: 5 minutes Serves: 4-5 People

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz. Macaroni Elbow Pasta, cooked to al dente and drained

• 4 Tbsp. Butter

• 4 Tbsp. Flour

• 2 cups Milk

• 1/2 tsp. Salt

• Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp. Dried parsley

• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder, optional but really makes the dish in my opinion

• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs, plain

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Grease an 8x8 or 9x9 glass baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

3. In a large sauce pan, melt the butter. Add in the flour once it has melted. Stir together.

4. Add in the salt, pepper, dried parsley, and garlic powder to the butter and flour mix. Whisk until evenly combined.

5. Gradually add the milk while whisking the sauce and bring it to a boil. Continue stirring for two minutes while boiling so the milk doesn’t burn.

6. Reduce the heat and cook for another 5-7 minutes.

7. Add in both cheeses and stir till the cheese is melted and combined with the other ingredients. Add the sauce with the pasta and coat it evenly.

8. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the greased glass baking dish.

9. Sprinkle the Panko crumbs all over the top of the dish. Broil on low for 4-5 minutes until the top is crispy and golden brown.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy!