Description
Creamy, cheesy Classic Mac and Cheese delivers comfort straight from your kitchen, promising pure indulgence. Irresistible golden breadcrumbs and rich cheese sauce combine for a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, ensuring it maintains a slight firmness. Drain thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Create a velvety roux by melting butter in a spacious saucepan over medium heat. Gradually incorporate flour, whisking continuously to develop a smooth, golden base. Slowly introduce milk while stirring to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken and become glossy.
- Reduce heat and fold in grated cheddar and gruyere cheeses, stirring until completely melted and integrated. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, creating a luxurious, silky sauce. If needed, thin the mixture with reserved pasta water.
- Gently combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare the crispy topping by melting remaining butter and tossing with breadcrumbs until evenly coated and golden.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Distribute the buttered breadcrumbs across the surface for a crunchy contrast.
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil briefly during the final moments of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture, knowing it also reheats wonderfully for future enjoyment.
Notes
- Choose short pasta shapes with ridges like cavatappi or shells to help cheese sauce cling better and create more delicious bites.
- Grate cheese manually instead of using pre-shredded varieties, ensuring smoother melting and richer flavor without anti-caking agents.
- Use whole milk or mix half-and-half with milk for extra creamy, decadent sauce that coats pasta perfectly without separation.
- Toast breadcrumbs in skillet before adding to topping for deeper, nuttier flavor and extra crunch that elevates the entire dish’s texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 505
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 743 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg