Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this spectacular mac and cheese, promising a cheesy embrace that melts hearts faster than its golden crust. Perfectly balanced flavors and rich, velvety texture invite you to savor each delightful forkful of pure, irresistible warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 3 cups (300 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella or Gruyere cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta in a generously salted boiling water, cooking until tender yet firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
- Create a smooth foundation by melting butter in a spacious saucepan over medium warmth. Incorporate flour, whisking vigorously to develop a silky, pale roux without browning.
- Introduce milk gradually, maintaining constant motion to prevent clumping. Simmer and stir until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thickened consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat and infuse the sauce with robust seasonings – Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in cheese varieties methodically, allowing each to melt into a velvety, harmonious blend.
- Gently combine sauce with pasta, ensuring every curved noodle receives an even, creamy embrace. Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking vessel, spreading uniformly.
- Craft a crisp topping by combining breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, sprinkling the golden mixture across the surface to create a textural contrast.
- Slide the dish into a preheated 375F oven, baking until the top transforms into a golden-brown crust and the interior bubbles with tempting excitement.
- Allow the mac and cheese to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, letting the flavors settle and sauce stabilize. Optional: enhance with a quick broil for extra crispness.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and aromatic finish.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality cheeses like sharp cheddar or aged Gruyere to enhance the depth of flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
- Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the cheese sauce and during baking.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Boost protein content by mixing in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg