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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
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Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Indulgent creamy baked mac and cheese with a golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for satisfying your carb cravings.
Ingredients:
  • For the topping:
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • For the macaroni:
  • 10 ounces elbow macaroni pasta or cavatappi
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • For the sauce:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 10-ounce brick of cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3 cups thickly shredded cheddar cheese)
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Garnish :
  • Minced parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 x 8 pan with butter and set it aside.
  • Create the topping by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl, then mix in panko, Parmesan, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
  • Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until firm-tender, about a minute or two less than the box's recommended cook time.
  • Butter and coat the pasta: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with 1 tablespoon of butter until well coated. Set aside for later.
  • Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine cream cheese, 1 cup of milk, and spices. Use a spatula to break and melt the cream cheese until it reaches a nickel-sized consistency. Whisk continuously for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and thick.
  • Incorporate the rest of the milk into the sauce by whisking in 1 1/2 cups. Then, gradually add the cheddar cheese, one cup at a time, ensuring each cup is well combined before adding more.
  • Pour the thick and creamy sauce over the pasta, ensuring it's well-coated. The mixture might seem soupy, but that's perfect. Transfer everything to a buttered 8x8 pan and smooth the top.
  • Sprinkle the panko mixture over the mac and cheese and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving. If you enjoyed the dish, please leave a rating and comment!

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