Homemade Comfort Food: Classic Mac and Cheese with a Twist

Few dishes evoke the feeling of comfort like a piping hot bowl of mac and cheese. While the classic version is always a favorite, why not add a creative twist to this beloved comfort food? Here's a recipe for a homemade mac and cheese with a twist that will tantalize your taste buds:

Team Bulletiny

October 31, 2023

1 minute

463.7K

Lifestyle

Ingredients:

For the mac and cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the topping:

1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook it since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes until it forms a paste. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Add Seasonings and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gradually stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbling.
Serve: Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve and enjoy your delectable twist on a classic comfort food!

This mac and cheese with a twist combines the creamy goodness of the classic dish with the satisfying crunch of the breadcrumb topping, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It's sure to become a new favorite comfort food in your home.