Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread
Ingredients:
For the Mac and Cheese:
8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), finely chopped for garnish
A light dusting of paprika for color
For the Garlic Bread:
4 slices rustic bread (like sourdough or baguette)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
A pinch of salt
Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions:
Prepare the Macaroni:
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste (roux) and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat all the pasta with the rich, velvety sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk or cream until you achieve the desired consistency.
Make the Garlic Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread the garlic butter evenly over one side of each slice of bread.
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the bread is golden and slightly charred on the edges.
Serve:
Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese in a bowl, garnished with finely chopped fresh herbs and a dusting of paprika for a pop of color.
Plate two slices of rustic garlic bread alongside the mac and cheese, allowing the bread to soak in the comforting vibes.
For the perfect setting, place the dish on a light wooden table, allowing the soft natural light to illuminate the creamy texture of the macaroni, with a blurred background featuring a glass of water or a folded napkin.
This simple yet indulgent meal will bring all the cozy, comforting feels with creamy textures and golden, flavorful crusts. Would you like any adjustments or photography tips for this dish?