Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this outrageously creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese. Perfectly seasoned and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, this baked mac and cheese is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dish:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and bake: Stir in the cooked macaroni until well coated. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, add crispy cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
- You can substitute Gruyère with fontina or mozzarella if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
