Recipe Details
"Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this rich and velvety baked macaroni and cheese. Perfectly cooked pasta is smothered in a silky three-cheese sauce and finished with a satisfyingly crunchy, golden-brown breadcrumb crust."
1 Ingredients
| Qty | Item |
|---|---|
| 16 oz | Elbow macaroni |
| 4 tbsp | Unsalted butter |
| 0.25 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 3 cups | Whole milk |
| 1 cup | Heavy cream |
| 4 cups | Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded |
| 1 cup | Gruyere cheese, shredded |
| 1 tsp | Garlic powder |
| 0.5 tsp | Smoked paprika |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 cup | Panko breadcrumbs |
| 2 tbsp | Melted butter |
2 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest for al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and 3 cups of the cheddar cheese plus all the Gruyere until smooth.
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and the remaining cup of cheddar cheese.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips & Tricks
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·
Always grate your own cheese from blocks; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt.
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·
Cook the pasta slightly under al dente so it doesn't become mushy during the baking process.
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·
Use a mix of cheeses like Sharp Cheddar and Gruyere for the best depth of flavor.
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·
For extra crunch, try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb topping.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
What is the best pasta shape for this?
How do I prevent the sauce from being grainy?
Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
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Macaroni And Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our decadently creamy three-cheese macaroni, featuring a velvety blend of sharp cheddar, nutty gruyère, and salty parmesan. Finished with a golden, buttery panko crust, this dish delivers a perfect balance of rich sauce and crispy texture in every bite.
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