Mac And Cheese Recipe With Sausage And Peppers - Mac and Cheese Recipes

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that has a special place in many hearts—and stomachs! Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply enjoy a cozy night in, this Best Ever Baked Macaroni & Cheese recipe is here to help you create a delightful masterpiece that’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. So, let’s dive right into the delicious details!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious dish:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Preparation Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes until well combined and slightly bubbly.
4. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking to avoid any lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring that every piece is coated with the cheesy goodness.
8. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. If you love a crunch, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Once it's ready, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect as a main course or as a side, and trust me—you'll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Enjoy the cheesy goodness and make sure to savor each bite. Happy cooking!