Creamy Mac and Cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese

8 servings
Super creamy mac and cheese with 2 kinds of cheese will be the most decadent mac and cheese you've ever had.... plus there's a crispy topping! Inspired by the queen.... Ina

Ingredients

  • elbow macaroni or cavatappi
    1 lb
  • milk
    1 quart
  • unsalted butter

    divided

    8 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour
    ½ c
  • Gruyère cheese
    4 c
  • extra-sharp Cheddar
    2 c
  • fresh thyme

    leaves removed and stems discarded

    4 sprig
  • Kosher salt
  • ground black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • nutmeg
    ¼ tsp
  • panko bread crumbs

    more if desired

    ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

  2. 2

    Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain well.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan until just simmering!

  4. 4

    Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large pot and add the flour to make a roux. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Carefully stream in the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until the milk starts to thicken. Remove from heat, add the shredded cheeses, thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-4 quart baking dish.

  5. 5

    Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the panko into the skillet and toss to combine, then sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

Creamy Mac and Cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese

60 min8 servings814 cal

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About this Recipe

Indulge in the Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese

Prepare for a truly decadent mac and cheese experience with this incredibly rich and creamy mac and cheese recipe! Inspired by the queen of comforting classics, Ina Garten, this dish takes homemade mac and cheese to a whole new level. Forget the box – once you taste the luscious sauce and perfect blend of cheeses, you'll understand why this will be your new go-to.

What makes this baked macaroni and cheese truly special is the harmonious pairing of two exceptional cheeses: nutty Gruyère and sharp extra-sharp Cheddar. These melt beautifully into a velvety smooth sauce, coating every piece of elbow macaroni or cavatappi with pure bliss. But we didn't stop there! This recipe features a glorious crispy topping of golden panko bread crumbs, adding a delightful textural contrast that elevates each forkful from delicious to absolutely divine. A hint of fresh thyme and nutmeg rounds out the flavors, making this a sophisticated take on a beloved comfort food.

Whether you're looking for the perfect dish to impress guests, a hearty family dinner, or simply a treat for yourself, this creamy macaroni delivers. It's the kind of meal that brings smiles and warms the soul. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfection:

  • Pasta Choice: While elbow macaroni is classic, cavatappi (corkscrew pasta) works wonderfully as its ridges hold more of that glorious creamy sauce.
  • Fresh Thyme: Don't skip the fresh thyme; it adds a subtle, fragrant lift to the rich cheese sauce.
  • Cheese Quality: Using high-quality Gruyère and extra-sharp Cheddar is key to achieving the complex, luxurious flavor profile of this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions