Creating a delicious Baked Mac and Cheese can be a delight if you follow these straightforward steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Cheese Sauce:
– In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
– Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
– Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until completely melted and smooth.
5. Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
6. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
8. Add Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni mixture for crunch.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
10. Cool & Serve: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.