A delightful single-serving baked mac and cheese recipe with a creamy texture and a crispy topping.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a small oven-proof dish.
Greasing the dish prevents the macaroni from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil, add the macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it doesn't become mushy during baking.
In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook for 1 minute.
Cooking the roux removes the raw flour taste and creates a smooth base for the sauce.
Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Adding the cheese gradually helps it melt evenly into the sauce.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then transfer to the prepared dish.
Mixing the macaroni with the sauce thoroughly ensures every bite is flavorful.
Top with breadcrumbs and additional cheese, then bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
For a golden crust, you can broil the dish for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy baked mac and cheese!
Let the dish cool slightly before serving to avoid burns and enhance the flavors.
