Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce (the heart of the dish)

1. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux (this thickens the sauce).
3. Slowly add the warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy base.
5. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. Season with mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce.
2. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan.
2. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter.
3. Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the dish.
4. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the pasta.
5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the baked mac and cheese cool slightly before serving. Scoop generous portions and enjoy the contrast between the creamy pasta and the crunchy topping.

🍴 Serving Ideas

• Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken or barbecue meats.
• Make it the star of the meal with garlic bread on the side.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Creamy baked mac and cheese is more than just pasta and cheese—it’s a dish that brings comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction in every bite. With its silky cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and golden topping, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

👉 Would you like me to also create a short social media caption version of this recipe (like one you could post to Facebook or Instagram), so it fits into the n8n workflow we discussed?