Homemade Mac Cheese
Ingredients
- ½ c.unsalted butter
plus more for baking dish
- kosher salt
- 1 lb.elbow macaroni
- ½ c.all-purpose flour
- 5 c.whole milk
- 1 tsp.mustard powder
- freshly ground black pepper
- 12 oz.cheddar
shredded, about 3 cups
- 8 oz.gruyère
shredded, about 2 cups
- 3 oz.finely grated parmesan
divided, about 1 1/2 cups
- 1 c.panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- 1
Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 375°. Grease a 13" x 9" baking dish with butter. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain.
- 2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 stick butter. Sprinkle flour over and cook, stirring, until slightly golden and toasty smelling, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in milk and whisk until combined. Add mustard powder; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Remove pan from heat and whisk in cheddar, Gruyère, and 1 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth. Stir in macaroni and transfer to prepared dish.
- 4
In a small bowl, combine panko, oil, and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle over macaroni; season with more pepper.
- 5
Bake mac and cheese until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.
Homemade Mac Cheese
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About this Recipe
Searching for the ultimate comfort food that's guaranteed to impress at any dinner party? Our Homemade Mac and Cheese is the answer, delivering a truly luxurious experience that feels both familiar and exceptionally special.
This recipe stands out because it masterfully balances three essential qualities: it's profoundly extra creamy, boasts plenty of cheesy depth, and is crowned with a perfectly crunchy, golden topping. By combining rich dairy with a thoughtful blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan, we achieve a complex flavor profile that elevates simple mac and cheese to a gourmet event. The addition of a golden topping ensures every bite offers a delightful textural contrast.
Prepare for a truly indulgent experience. You'll find a velvety smooth cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all beneath a crispy, irresistible crust. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table. This dish is designed to be substantial and satisfying, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or as a hearty centerpiece for weeknight meals. With about an hour of total time, you'll be able to create this spectacular dish with ease, yielding 8 generous servings.
For a slightly different take, you can easily adjust the proportions of the cheeses – perhaps leaning more heavily on sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or increasing the Gruyère for an earthier note. While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other short, sturdy pasta shapes like cavatappi or medium shells. The panko breadcrumbs are essential for that signature crunch, but if you prefer, you can also mix in some finely grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of savory flavor in the topping.
This Homemade Mac and Cheese is destined to become a beloved classic in your repertoire. It’s perfect for a celebratory dinner party, a comforting family gathering, or even as a standout side dish that everyone will rave about.