This recipe for mac 'n' cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a creamy and cheesy sauce, it's the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. The combination of different cheeses adds richness and depth of flavor. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish at your next family gathering or potluck. You won't be able to resist this gooey and irresistible mac 'n' cheese!
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Directions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce becomes thick and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir until melted and well combined.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices into the sauce.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure all the macaroni is coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top of the mac 'n' cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Mac 'n' cheese is a popular dish in American cuisine and has been enjoyed for centuries.
Thomas Jefferson was one of the first people to introduce mac 'n' cheese to the United States after tasting it in France.
Mac 'n' cheese became a staple during the Great Depression due to its affordability and filling nature.