A foolproof recipe for baked macaroni and cheese that's both creamy and delicious:

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups whole milk

• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Cook the Macaroni:

• Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

1. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

• Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it's a pale golden color.

• Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.

• Cook the sauce, stirring continuously, until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

• Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

• Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

1. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce:

• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the macaroni is evenly coated.

1. Bake in a Casserole Dish:

• Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.

• If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Spoon out a generous serving and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding extras like crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. This foolproof baked mac and cheese is sure to become a family favorite!