Description
A creamy and indulgent baked macaroni and cheese recipe, featuring sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, topped with a crunchy panko layer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Add the kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir in the cheddar and Gruyere cheese until melted.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and finish with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Notes
Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving to set up for easier serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, comfort food, family recipe, creamy cheese, nostalgic dish
