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Mac and Cheese Explosion

Elevate the classic mac and cheese with this creamy and indulgent dish topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese Sauce
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter for the roux
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for the roux
  • 2 cups milk to create the cheese sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese for creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for stretch and flavor
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Breadcrumb Topping
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs for crunch
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter for mixing with breadcrumbs

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it’s al dente; drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a velvety sauce.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining and Baking
  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheesy mixture and stir until the macaroni is well-coated.
  2. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the mac and cheese.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  5. Let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy!

Notes

For variations, add sautéed onions or garlic to the roux, or include cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for an extra twist. Can be customized with different cheeses or spice levels.