Mac and Cheese
A timeless dish that brings comfort and joy with creamy goodness and a crispy topping, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese Mix
- 16 oz elbow macaroni or other tubular pasta
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream For a creamier texture.
Sauce Ingredients
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter For the cheese sauce.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika For flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Miscellaneous
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil For coating the pasta.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheeses and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but remove it from heat one minute before it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the pasta with olive oil and stir to coat. Set aside to cool while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Making Cheese Sauce
- In a deep saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes bubbly and golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue to whisk until it becomes bubbly, then cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth.
- Add the remaining two cups of shredded cheese, continuing to whisk until creamy and smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Stir in the cooled pasta until it is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
- Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Then add the remaining two cups of shredded cheese on top, followed by the rest of the mac and cheese.
Topping and Baking
- In a small bowl, mix the panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture over the top.
- Bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a creamier texture, don't skip the heavy cream; it adds richness. Customize by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or sautéed vegetables.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g
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