Description
Creamy mac and cheese brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, melding sharp cheddar with smooth gruyère in a luscious sauce. Crispy breadcrumb topping and pure love make this classic American dish irresistible for hungry souls craving homemade warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
Cheese and Dairy:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or mozzarella for a milder flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in a generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
- Create a silky cheese foundation by melting butter in a spacious saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate flour and whisk vigorously, allowing the mixture to develop a nutty aroma for approximately two minutes.
- Gradually introduce milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer the mixture, stirring attentively until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Enhance the sauce’s depth by blending Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and gradually fold in cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking. Combine the pasta with the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is generously coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a well-greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Craft a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika. Sprinkle this golden mixture across the surface, promising a delightful crunch.
- Bake until the top transforms into a golden-brown crust and the edges bubble enticingly, typically 20-25 minutes.
- Allow the dish to rest for five minutes, permitting the sauce to settle and flavors to meld. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or an additional sprinkle of cheese before serving.
Notes
- Select high-quality cheeses like sharp cheddar and Gruyere for a robust, complex flavor profile that elevates the classic mac and cheese.
- Cook pasta just shy of package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfectly tender texture when the dish is complete.
- Create a silky smooth cheese sauce by gradually adding milk and whisking constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy consistency.
- Experiment with gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 536
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 581 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg