Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 quart whole milk
4 cups
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt*
Diamond Crystal
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 stick unsalted butter
113 grams
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
64 grams
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 egg
beaten
- 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups
- 4 ounces Gruyere cheese
1 cup
- 4 ounces Jarlsberg cheese
1 cup
- 4 ounces Fontina cheese
1 cup
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
28 grams
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 3-quart baking dish or individual gratin dishes with nonstick cooking spray.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, 6 to 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain.
- 3
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan set over medium heat, warm the milk. Stir together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, & paprika in a small bowl, and set aside.
- 4
In a large saucepan set over medium-low heat, heat 1 stick of butter until melted. Sprinkle the flour into the saucepan and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in the hot milk and cook for about 3 minutes, until thickened and smooth, and the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Whisk in the spice blend and red wine vinegar. Remove from heat.
- 5
Slowly whisk a spoonful of sauce into a small bowl with the beaten egg, to temper the egg. Add egg mixture into the sauce. Add in the cheeses and whisk until cheese is melted. Stir in pasta, then pour into prepared baking dish.
- 6
Mix panko bread crumbs, fresh thyme leaves, and melted butter in a small bowl until combined. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes, or until bubbling and browned. Remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Similar Recipes
/20220408_SL_ClassicBakedMacaroniandCheese_Beauty_1879_preview-2000-1880c51e9aa54dcb9ee9e4bf177376e5.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 11 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Ready for the ultimate comfort food experience that truly lives up to its name? This Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese Recipe delivers a rich, creamy indulgence topped with an irresistible crunch, perfect for any occasion.
What sets this baked mac and cheese apart is the thoughtful combination of a silky, balanced cheese sauce and a wonderfully crisp, homemade breadcrumb topping. You'll find that the careful blend of extra sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Jarlsberg, and Fontina cheeses creates an unparalleled depth of flavor that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Imagine diving into a forkful of perfectly cooked elbow macaroni bathed in a luxurious, creamy sauce, where each bite offers a harmonious blend of savory, slightly nutty, and subtly tangy notes. The hint of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dry ground mustard, nutmeg, and a whisper of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika elevate the cheese to new heights, preventing it from feeling one-dimensional. This decadent dish promises a satisfyingly rich experience, beautifully contrasted by the crunchy texture of the Panko breadcrumb topping.
While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily adapt it to your taste. For a different flavor profile, consider swapping out some of the cheeses for your favorites—perhaps a smoked gouda for an added smoky depth. If you prefer a milder cheese sauce, you could increase the proportion of Jarlsberg or Fontina. For an herbal twist, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs alongside the thyme in the topping, such as finely chopped parsley or chives.
This Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese is a standout dish on its own, a perfect centerpiece for a family dinner, or an impressive side dish for a potluck. Serve it alongside a simple green salad to cut through the richness, or as a hearty main course that truly satisfies.