Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy, and irresistible Mac and Cheese recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave something rich and satisfying!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
• 1 tbsp butter (to prevent sticking)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

1. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
5. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes), then reduce heat to low.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
2. Transfer to a greased baking dish if baking, or serve immediately for stovetop mac and cheese.

4. (Optional) Add the Crunchy Topping:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Sprinkle the topping over the mac and cheese.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh parsley.
• Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

Tips:

• For extra creaminess, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk.
• Experiment with cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
• Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

This Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish for cheese lovers and will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite of this cheesy goodness!