Let’s whip up something special that’ll have everybody coming back for seconds: Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese! This ain’t your average mac and cheese; this is a dish that’ll make you feel all warm and cozy inside. Just imagine creamy, cheesy goodness baked to perfection, ready to make your taste buds dance. Gather your fam or your friends, ‘cause we’re about to dive into a flavor explosion!
The Best Baked Gourmet Mac and Cheese
Check out this beautiful shot of our dish that’s about to steal the show!
### Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, then cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In another large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to keep the mixture smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add in the Dijon mustard, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated.
- If you’re feeling fancy, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a crunchy topping. Spread the macaroni mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. If using, sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!
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This mac and cheese is the real deal – creamy, indulgent, and full of cheesy goodness. Serve it as a side dish or a main course, and watch how it brings everyone together at the table. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this deliciousness!