Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Contest-Winning!)

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Contest-Winning!) is a dish that will make you the star of any gathering! This recipe combines the best of creamy stovetop mac and cheese with the golden, slightly crispy top of baked mac and cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser. The combination of multiple cheeses and a flavorful creamy sauce ensures a rich and decadent dish that is sure to win over everyone.

Here’s how you can make this contest-winning creamy baked mac and cheese:

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Contest-Winning!)

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 3 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 cup half-and-half (or additional milk)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or fontina for a more melty texture)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added depth)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds flavor)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Be sure not to overcook, as the pasta will bake further in the oven.
2. Drain the Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

1. Make a Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, but not browned.
2. Add the Dairy: Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half. Continue whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
3. Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, and slowly stir in the shredded cheeses (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan, if using). Stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The sauce should be very flavorful!

3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

1. Mix Together: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

4. Prepare for Baking:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. Make the Topping:

1. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and the additional Parmesan cheese, if using. Mix well to coat the breadcrumbs in the butter.
2. Top the Mac and Cheese: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.

6. Bake:

1. Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
2. Optional Broil: For an extra crispy top, you can place the dish under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

7. Serve:

• Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to set. Then scoop out portions and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

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Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese:

• Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Havarti, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique flavor twist.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the entire dish a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Add-ins: If you like, stir in cooked bacon, sausage, or vegetables like spinach or broccoli for an extra twist.
• Crispy Top: For the ultimate crispy top, use a mixture of regular breadcrumbs and panko, or add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before baking.

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is incredibly rich, cheesy, and sure to be a hit at any potluck or family gathering. The combination of cheeses and the crunchy topping make it a contest-winning recipe that’s guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!