Description
Create the ultimate baked mac and cheese, a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s far superior to boxed versions. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe brings comfort and joy to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Optional: 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Optional: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an extra cheesy flavor, use a mix of your favorite cheeses.
- Make sure to stir the sauce constantly to prevent lumps.
- Adjust seasonings to your personal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 600
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg
- Fat: Approximately 35g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15g
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100mg