Ingredients

• Pasta:
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
• Cheese Sauce:
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Cheese Blend:
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gouda, shredded
• Custard Mixture:
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup sour cream
• Topping:
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
   • Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
   • Gradually add the shredded cheeses (reserve 1 cup of cheese for topping), stirring until fully melted and smooth.

3. Mix the Custard:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and sour cream. Slowly mix this into the cheese sauce, stirring quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

5. Assemble the Mac and Cheese:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the reserved cheese. For a crispy topping, sprinkle with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.

6. Bake:

   • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

7. Serve:

   • Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.