1. Cook the Macaroni
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the sauce until thickened, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine and Bake
- In the greased baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite.
Conclusion: A Taste of Home
In conclusion, our Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the epitome of comfort and flavor, offering a taste of home that is sure to warm your heart and soul. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, this creamy delight is guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our irresistible Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese.
