- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded white cheddar and Parmesan until smooth.
3. Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
4. Make It Baked (Optional)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk and warm over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or ground turkey.
- Veggie Loaded: Mix in broccoli, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Different Cheeses: Swap some white cheddar for Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s best to use freshly shredded cheese since pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
2. How do I prevent my cheese sauce from getting grainy?
- Use low heat when adding the cheese to prevent separation.
- Avoid overcooking the sauce after adding cheese.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch (use half the amount).
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