Elevate your mac and cheese game with this luxurious recipe that combines rich cheeses, creamy sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in, this gourmet mac and cheese is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni pasta
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the parsley and sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that dates back to the 14th century.
The addition of Gruyere cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor to this gourmet mac and cheese.
The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch to the creamy pasta dish.