Comforting Soul Food Mac and Cheese

1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2.In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3.In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it forms a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

4.Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.

5.Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

6.Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

7.Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure all the pasta is coated in the creamy goodness.

8.Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese for a crunchy topping.

9.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

10.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting soul food mac and cheese!