Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients:
300 g (10 oz) pasta (macaroni, penne, or rigatoni)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute.
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to avoid lumps.
Add the cream (if using) and keep stirring until the sauce thickens.
3. Add cheese:
Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups of cheddar and ½ cup of mozzarella.
Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic if you like.
4. Combine:
Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
5. Bake:
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy warm!
