Creamy Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• Pasta:
• 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• Cheese Sauce:
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup light cream (10-12% MF)
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pepper powder (or to taste)
• 1 can (10.75 oz) heavy cream cheddar soup (optional)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes for al dente texture. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

1. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk and light cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
• Stir in the dry mustard, onion powder, pepper powder, and cheddar soup (if using). Remove from heat and mix in 3 cups of the cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

1. Combine and Bake:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Mix until well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, and top with the reserved 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
• Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

1. Serve:

• Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. It will firm up as it cools.

Tips:

• Customize: Add cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables like broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece! 🍽️💖