Here’s a detailed, unique article for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, with a step-by-step guide to making it perfectly rich, cheesy, and comforting.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of home like Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. With a golden, cheesy crust and a luscious, creamy interior, this classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Unlike stovetop mac and cheese, baking gives it a slightly crunchy top layer while keeping the pasta irresistibly creamy inside. Here’s how to make it from scratch, step by step.

Ingredients

For the best creamy baked mac and cheese, you’ll need:

For the pasta:

• 400g (about 14 oz) elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the cheese sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (for extra meltiness)

For the topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• A pinch of paprika (optional, for color)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so the mac and cheese won’t stick.

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