Craving a dish that's both comforting and utterly delicious? Look no further! Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese is the answer. It's surprisingly quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and bursting with flavor that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). As a busy parent, I understand the struggle of finding a meal that the whole family loves. This recipe is a winner – it’s become a regular on our dinner table, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my grandmother's mac and cheese was legendary. She would fuss over it for hours, using her secret blend of cheeses and a touch of nutmeg. This Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese is my modern take on her classic, streamlining the process without sacrificing any of that comforting, cheesy goodness. The memories and emotion that my grandmother has put into her recipes still linger in every bite of this one. It's the perfect balance of nostalgia and convenience. That’s something that I aim to recreate with the Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- Water and salt, for boiling
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a smooth paste forms. This is your roux.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure that there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Season and Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the burner and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the Cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and very carefully stir to ensure that everything is coated nicely.
- Bake: Pour the mac and cheese into a large baking dish.
- Add Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, combine the panko and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving, to allow the cheese to set. Enjoy your Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese!
Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a smooth paste forms. This is your roux.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure that there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes.4 cups whole milk
- Remove the saucepan from the burner and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- Add the Cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and very carefully stir to ensure that everything is coated nicely.1 pound elbow macaroni
- Pour the mac and cheese into a large baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving, to allow the cheese to set. Enjoy your Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese!