Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- Vegetable oil
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 1 quart milk
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
divided, 1 stick
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces Gruyere
grated, 4 cups
- 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar
grated, 2 cups
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 pound fresh tomatoes
4 small
- 1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs
5 slices, crusts removed
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- 2
Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
- 3
Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.
- 4
Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.
Mac and Cheese
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food that feels both classic and elevated? This homemade Mac and Cheese recipe promises to deliver that deeply satisfying, cheesy goodness you’ve been dreaming of, perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. You'll love how simple it is to achieve extraordinary flavor.
What truly sets this Mac and Cheese apart is its thoughtful combination of ingredients. The blend of Gruyere and extra-sharp Cheddar provides a complex flavor profile—nutty, rich, and sharp—that's far superior to single-cheese versions. A generous amount of unsalted butter and all-purpose flour form the base for a silky, creamy sauce with whole milk, ensuring every bite is luxuriously smooth. Topped with fresh white bread crumbs, it offers an irresistible textural contrast.
Prepare for a Mac and Cheese that is wonderfully creamy, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The tender elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta cradles a velvety smooth cheese sauce, enhanced by the subtle warmth of freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg. Each forkful brings a balance of richness, while the toasted bread crumbs add a delightful crunch. The addition of fresh tomatoes brightens the dish, cutting through the richness with a touch of acidity and freshness, making this classic feel vibrant and complete.
While this recipe shines with elbow macaroni or cavatappi, you can easily swap in other short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or medium shells if that's what you have on hand. For a slightly different cheese profile, consider using fontina or white cheddar alongside the Gruyere and extra-sharp Cheddar, though the current combination offers unparalleled depth. Don't skip the fresh bread crumbs; they're essential for that perfect crispy topping, but if fresh isn't an option, good quality panko bread crumbs can work in a pinch. You can also experiment with a sprinkle of smoked paprika in the bread crumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
This rich and comforting Mac and Cheese is ideal for a hearty family dinner, a potluck contribution, or a special weekend meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad to balance its richness, making it a complete and fulfilling meal.