Creamy Mac and cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Begin by boiling a large pot of water with a generous amount of salt.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. For a more al dente texture, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside. To prevent the pasta from sticking, drizzle a bit of olive oil and toss lightly.

Step 2: Make the Roux

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is fully melted and bubbling, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously to create a smooth paste, known as a roux.
3. Continue whisking the roux for about 2 minutes. The goal is to cook off the raw flour taste, but avoid letting it turn brown.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

1. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to combine with the roux. It’s essential to add the milk slowly to avoid lumps.
2. Once the milk is fully incorporated, add the heavy cream and keep whisking until the mixture starts to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Lower the heat to medium-low once the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Add Cheese for a Creamy Sauce

1. Add 3 cups of the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring gently until the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety texture.
2. Follow up by adding the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheeses have fully melted.
3. Stir in the mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion powder for added flavor. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground nutmeg to taste.

Pro Tip: Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust the seasoning. If it feels too thick, add a little more milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure that each piece of pasta is thoroughly coated.
2. At this point, you have a perfectly creamy stovetop mac and cheese. If you prefer it stovetop-style, you can serve it right away with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.
3. For a more indulgent baked mac and cheese, continue with the following steps.

Step 6: Bake (Optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If you enjoy a crispy, golden topping, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese layer.
4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once baked, allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest period allows the cheese to set, making it easier to serve.
2. Garnish with a dash of smoked paprika or chopped parsley for a pop of color.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness!

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Mac and Cheese:

1. Choose the Right Cheese: Opt for cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or gruyere. Sharp cheddar provides a tangy flavor, while mozzarella adds gooeyness. Parmesan enhances the depth of flavor.
2. Grate Your Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese will yield a silkier sauce.
3. Creamy Texture: For an extra creamy sauce, use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the cream with more milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich.
4. Customize the Toppings: Panko breadcrumbs provide a nice crunch when baked. You can also add bacon bits, crushed crackers, or a drizzle of truffle oil for extra indulgence.
5. Flavor Enhancements: Mustard powder and nutmeg may seem unusual, but they subtly elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish.

Variations:

1. Bacon Mac and Cheese: Fry up crispy bacon pieces and mix them into the mac and cheese for a smoky flavor.
2. Lobster Mac and Cheese: Add cooked lobster chunks to make it an elevated dish, perfect for special occasions.
3. Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli for added texture and flavor.

This creamy mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and comforting, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages!