Momma's Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Imagine a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, bringing memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. Momma's Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is more than just a recipe it's a culinary hug that transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-watering masterpiece.

This legendary mac and cheese recipe combines the rich, velvety goodness of sharp cheddar with a perfectly crispy breadcrumb topping. Moreover, the blend of milk and heavy cream creates an incredibly smooth and decadent sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a comforting meal that speaks directly to your soul, this mac and cheese promises to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: A Timeless Family Favorite

Every bite of this macaroni and cheese tells a story of home-cooked love and culinary tradition. The recipe combines simple ingredients with a technique that elevates a classic comfort food to an extraordinary dining experience.

Get ready to discover the secrets behind creating the most irresistible, creamy, and flavorful mac and cheese that will transport you back to childhood memories.

Serving Suggestions:

Complement your Momma's Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with:

• Crispy green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls
• Garlic bread
• Grilled protein of choice

Pro Tips for Perfect Macaroni and Cheese:

Cheese Selection: Use high-quality sharp cheddar for maximum flavor. Grate the cheese yourself for the best melting consistency.

Pasta Perfection: Cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. Overcooking can lead to mushy mac and cheese.

Sauce Secrets: Temper the eggs carefully to prevent scrambling. Add a few tablespoons of warm cheese sauce to the beaten eggs before incorporating them back into the main mixture.

Breadcrumb Brilliance: For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs slightly before sprinkling on top.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Equipment: Large pot, baking dish, saucepan, whisk, mixing bowls

Ingredients:

For the Pasta Base:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Crispy Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a large baking dish with butter, ensuring every corner is covered to prevent sticking.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until perfectly al dente, typically around 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Carefully whisk in the milk and heavy cream, bringing the mixture just to a gentle simmer. Be cautious not to let it boil.
4. Gradually add 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
5. Remove the sauce from heat. Season with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, ensuring a well-balanced flavor profile.
6. In a separate small bowl, whisk the beaten eggs. To prevent scrambling, temper the eggs by adding a few tablespoons of the warm cheese sauce and whisking quickly. Then, slowly incorporate the egg mixture back into the main cheese sauce.
7. In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Gently stir to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.
8. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni, creating a golden, crispy crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a top that's beautifully golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
10. After removing from the oven, let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

Ready to Indulge!

Serve your Momma's Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese warm, watching as everyone's eyes light up with the first creamy, cheesy bite.

Storage Solutions:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy topping
• For best results, add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creamy texture
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating

Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply craving comfort food, this Momma's Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese will become your go-to recipe for pure, cheesy happiness.

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