Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a dish made from cooked elbow macaroni and a cheesy sauce, often made from a combination of cheddar and parmesan cheeses. The best cheesiest macaroni and cheese is a recipe that takes the classic dish to the next level by using a combination of different cheeses and spices to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
Here is a recipe for the best cheesiest macaroni and cheese:

Serving size and preparation time:

The recipe for the best cheesiest macaroni and cheese yields 8 servings and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and bake. The preparation time may vary depending on your cooking skills and the equipment you have on hand. The recipe can be easily scaled up or down to adjust the serving size to your needs. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half until the mixture is smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the macaroni is coated evenly with the sauce.
7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is bubbly.
10. Let the macaroni and cheese cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Garnishing suggestions:

Here are some garnishing suggestions for the best cheesiest macaroni and cheese:

1. Chopped fresh parsley or basil: Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the macaroni and cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Crispy bacon bits: Crumble some crispy bacon on top of the macaroni and cheese for a salty and savory twist.
3. Diced tomatoes: Add some diced tomatoes to the macaroni and cheese for a fresh and juicy burst of flavor.
4. Sliced scallions: Garnish the macaroni and cheese with some sliced scallions for a mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
5. Hot sauce: Drizzle some hot sauce over the macaroni and cheese for a spicy kick.
6. Bread crumbs: If you want to add some extra crunch to the top of the macaroni and cheese, you can sprinkle some bread crumbs over it.
7. Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the macaroni and cheese for a salty and nutty flavor.

These garnishing suggestions can be customized to your personal preferences, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings. Enjoy!