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At the heart of the Cheesy Delight Mac & Cheese are its core ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting the ultimate comfort food experience.

One-Pot School Lunch Mac and Cheese

Elevate your comfort food game with this delicious Cheesy Delight Mac & Cheese recipe. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this creamy dish combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Infused with flavorful broth and seasonings, each bite is a mouthwatering experience. Customize with your favorite toppings or add veggies and proteins for a unique twist. Discover tips on achieving the perfect texture and storing leftovers, making this mac and cheese a staple for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)

1 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a touch of smokiness)

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, crispy breadcrumbs, or crumbled crispy bacon bits

Instructions
 

Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, bring the vegetable (or chicken) broth to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add the elbow macaroni, ensuring it is fully submerged in the broth. Stir well to prevent sticking.

    Seasoning: Pour in the whole milk, then add the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, and the butter has melted.

      Cook Pasta: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the macaroni to cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.

        Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Gradually add in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring vigorously until the cheeses have completely melted and the mixture is creamy and cohesive.

          Serve: Dish out the mac and cheese into serving bowls. For an extra touch, sprinkle with your choice of optional toppings like fresh parsley for color, crunchy breadcrumbs for texture, or crispy bacon bits for savory flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

            Store Leftovers: If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm in the microwave for a creamy texture.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4-6