Cheesy Comfort Baked Mac and Cheese
Indulge in this creamy baked mac and cheese featuring a blend of rich cheddar and sharp Gruyère, topped with crispy Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. This ultimate comfort food is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, delivering a deliciously cheesy experience with every bite. Get ready to savor the nostalgia of childhood favorites!
ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
steps
- 1.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2.
Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- 3.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
- 4.
Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- 6.
Remove from heat and mix in cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
- 7.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat.
- 8.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 9.
In a separate bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- 10.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- 11.
Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Releated Recipes
