Are you looking for a soulful mac n cheese recipe that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds? Look no further! This creamy, comforting dish is a classic comfort food that has been cherished for generations. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a cozy meal, this soulful mac n cheese recipe is sure to delight. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
To start, gather the following ingredients:
– 16 ounces of elbow macaroni
– 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 4 cups of whole milk
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
Once you have all the ingredients ready, follow these steps to make your soulful mac n cheese:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until well combined, creating a roux.
4. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated cheeses until melted and well combined.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
8. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika together.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
This soulful mac n cheese recipe is perfect for any occasion. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the crispy breadcrumb topping, creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy dinner for two or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and indulge in a soulful mac n cheese experience that will leave you feeling satisfied and warm. Enjoy!
