Gourmet Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Uncooked macaroni

8 ounces

Salt

1 teaspoon (for pasta water)

Butter

4 tablespoons

All-purpose flour

1/4 cup

Milk

2 cups, whole milk preferred

Cheddar cheese

2 cups, shredded

Parmesan cheese

1 cup, grated

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon

Ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Bread crumbs

1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to cook until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure all the pasta is coated.
7. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with bread crumbs.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.