“am little embarrassed to tell you that my family truly lost all decency over this dish!”

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
5. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese. For an extra golden, crispy top, you can drizzle a little melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
8. Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why This Dish Had Us Losing All Decency

It wasn’t just the creamy cheese sauce that had everyone going wild; it was the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The pasta was perfectly cooked and coated with a velvety sauce, and when baked, the breadcrumbs created an addictive crunch that made it impossible to stop eating. The combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan took it to the next level of cheesy goodness, making it the type of dish that you just can’t stop indulging in.

It wasn’t long before the conversation at the table stopped altogether. The “mmms” and “yums” were nonstop, and before we knew it, we were all scraping the dish clean—no one even bothered with plates anymore. Just scooping, laughing, and serving ourselves more.

The Aftermath: A Deliciously Humbling Experience

After the chaos, we all looked at the empty dish and realized we had completely surrendered to the power of this dish. It wasn’t just food; it was an experience—one that will likely be repeated often in our household, but maybe with a little more decorum next time (or maybe not). What I do know is that this recipe will forever be a family favorite and a staple in our dinner rotation.

So, if you’re looking for a dish that will have everyone at your table forgetting their manners and diving in headfirst, this baked mac and cheese is it! It’s cheesy, creamy, and utterly irresistible, and I guarantee it will spark the same passionate (and maybe slightly embarrassing) response from your family too.

Enjoy it… and don’t worry about keeping your decency intact. This dish is worth the indulgence!