Mac & Cheese Done Right!

Описание: Mac & Cheese is so easy to make, but also so easy to mess up! Today we're going to make an easy and delicious mac & cheese recipe that sure to be a hit!

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
A rich, cheesy, and ultra-creamy mac and cheese, finished with a golden brown top for the perfect bite.

Ingredients
Pasta:
1, 12 oz box cavatappi (or elbow macaroni/shells)
2 tbsp kosher salt (for boiling water)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Cheese Blend:
8 oz sharp cheddar, grated
8 oz gouda, grated
8 oz mozzarella, grated (divided)
¼ C parmesan, freshly grated
Cheese Sauce (Béchamel):
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
½ tsp mustard powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 ½ tsp kosher salt

Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tbsp kosher salt. Add pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and mix in 1 tbsp butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Melt ¼ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup flour and cook for 2-3 minutes (do not brown). Slowly pour in 4 cups of warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat. Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until fully incorporated.
Place all grated cheeses in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot béchamel sauce over the cheese blend and stir until smooth and creamy.
Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. In a 9x9 baking dish, add half of the mac and cheese. Sprinkle half of the reserved mozzarella over the layer. Add the remaining mac and cheese, then top with the remaining mozzarella.
Set the oven to broil and place the dish on the top rack. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. (If no broiler, bake at 325°F for 15 minutes until the top is slightly browned and melted.)
Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving—it will be piping hot! Scoop and enjoy!