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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups milk (whole or 2%) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (for topping) - Optional: cooked bacon bits or steamed vegetables for added nutrition

Kid-Friendly Baked Macaroni and Cheese Delight

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Dreamy Mac & Cheese recipe. Transform the nostalgic favorite into a homemade delight that's rich and creamy, made with sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the perfect cheesy goodness. With easy-to-follow steps, you can customize it to your taste by adding proteins or veggies. Bake until golden brown for a beautiful finish that will impress at any gathering. Create warm and memorable moments with every bite!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups water

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the roux)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (for added fiber)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons melted butter (for the breadcrumb topping)

Optional: cooked bacon bits or finely chopped vegetables (like peas or broccoli) for extra nutrition and flavor

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready when you're finished preparing the dish.

    Cook the macaroni: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.

      Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking vigorously to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.

        Season the sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

          Incorporate the cheese: Off the heat, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.

            Combine macaroni and sauce: Add the drained macaroni directly into the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece is coated. If desired, fold in optional ingredients like bacon bits or chopped vegetables at this stage for additional flavor and nutrition.

              Prepare for baking: Transfer the creamy macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

                Create the topping: In a small bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly to ensure the breadcrumbs are well-coated, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

                  Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, creating a delightful crunchy texture.

                    Serve & enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the mac and cheese to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This cheesy delight pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some seasonal fruit to create a balanced meal!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6