Description
Comfort classics reach new heights with good old fashion mac and cheese, a creamy symphony of melted cheeses and tender pasta. Hearty flavors blend perfectly, promising a nostalgic journey that satisfies both family gatherings and solo indulgence you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Binding and Seasoning:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure a perfect golden crust.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes frothy and slightly golden.
- Whisk in flour gradually, creating a smooth roux. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth base.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure each pasta piece is generously coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Combine breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and melted butter in a small bowl to create a crispy, golden topping.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Choose high-quality sharp cheddar and mozzarella for maximum flavor depth and creamy texture.
- Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
- Grate cheese freshly instead of using pre-shredded varieties for smoother melting and richer taste.
- Experiment with additional mix-ins like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables for extra complexity.
- Substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives for lighter dietary preferences.
- Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Cool mac and cheese for a few minutes to allow sauce to thicken and prevent burning your mouth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg