Description
Trying to gain healthy weight or build muscle? These high-carb, high-protein meals helped me gain 10 lbs naturally—and they actually taste amazing! Perfect for lean bulking, post-workout recovery, or anyone needing more fuel in their day. These easy, balanced recipes are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—no complicated ingredients, just real food that gets results
Recipes:
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and baked to perfection with a crispy golden top. It’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 lb elbow macaroni
Salt, for pasta water
For the Cheese Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp mustard powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (it should look like a smooth paste). Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
Add the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Mac and Cheese: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Transfer the pasta and cheese sauce mixture to a greased baking dish.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a crispy top is perfect as a side dish or even a main course! Would you like to share this indulgent recipe with your followers?