Homemade Mac And Cheese
A creamy and rich dish that evokes warm memories from childhood, perfect for family dinners or as a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz elbow macaroni Tender and perfect for holding onto the cheese sauce.
Cheese Sauce Base
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter Creamy and rich, adding depth to the sauce.
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour For that essential thickening that binds it all together.
- 2 cups whole milk Silky and luscious, ensuring an irresistibly smooth sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adds a decadent richness.
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated) Oozy and tangy, bringing a bold flavor.
- 2 cups gruyere cheese (freshly grated) Nutty and aromatic, giving complexity.
- 0.5 tsp salt Enhances the flavors without overpowering.
- 0.25 tsp black pepper A mild heat that balances the creaminess.
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder Aromatic and savory.
- 0.25 tsp smoked paprika Offers a subtle smokiness.
Breadcrumb Topping
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs For that crispy topping texture.
- 2 tbsp butter (melted) Adds richness to the breadcrumbs.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly until a light golden color is achieved, about 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain, and stir until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sharp cheddar and gruyere until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Combine until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. Don't overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven. Mix different cheeses for a unique flavor.