Description
Creamy Cheesy Mac & Cheese with a Twist
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot. Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of milk.
- Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- If desired, preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- To make it a complete meal, stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, or steamed broccoli before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg