Classic Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
  • Salt (for boiling water)
• For the Cheese Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Topping (Optional):
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux (a thick paste). This helps to thicken the sauce.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce starts to thicken and come to a simmer.
   • Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
   • Season with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
   • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Optional: Add Topping and Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
   • Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve:
   • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving. It will thicken up a bit as it sits.

Tips:

• Cheese: Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor. You can experiment with different cheese blends, such as adding Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
• Creaminess: For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to the cheese sauce.
• Topping: The breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch, but you can skip it if you prefer a stovetop version.

Enjoy your homemade Mac and Cheese, perfect as a main dish or a comforting side!