A delightful twist on the classic macaroni and cheese, featuring a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Ensure the oven is fully preheated to achieve even baking.
Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Avoid overcooking the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper, and cook until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Stir constantly to prevent the roux from burning.
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.
Ensure the milk is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a baking dish, mixing well.
Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture.
For extra flavor, mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
Serve warm and enjoy your creamy baked mac and cheese!
Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.