Description
Creamy mac and cheese delights palates with rich, sharp cheddar and golden breadcrumb topping. Comfort blends seamlessly with indulgence, inviting you to savor each cheesy, comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated, sharp
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
- 8 oz (226 g) elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ tbsp olive oil or butter
- ½ cup (¼ lb) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (1/8 lb) unsalted butter, for topping
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, for topping
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika powder
Instructions
- Preheating Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (200°C), setting the stage for a cheesy masterpiece.
- Pasta and Roux Creation: Cook elbow macaroni just under package instructions, drain, and toss with olive oil. Simultaneously, craft a golden roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until a pale brown perfection emerges.
- Sauce Transformation: Gradually introduce milk and cream into the roux, whisking zealously until the mixture thickens to a luxurious consistency. Infuse with mustard powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper. Incorporate sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, creating a velvety sauce that promises ultimate creaminess.
- Assembly and Topping: Combine the cheese sauce with cooked pasta, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer to a 9-inch baking dish. Prepare a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a touch of salt, then generously scatter across the surface.
- Baking Finale: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown crown. For an extra crisp finish, activate the broiler briefly, watching carefully to create a tantalizingly crunchy layer without burning. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving this ultimate comfort dish.
Notes
- Pasta Precision: Cook macaroni slightly under recommended time to prevent mushiness during baking.
- Roux Mastery: Consistently stir flour and butter to avoid burning and create smooth sauce base.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess and maintain silky texture.
- Breadcrumb Brilliance: Toast panko in butter for extra crunch and golden color before sprinkling on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg