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best creamy mac and cheese - featured image

Best Creamy Mac And Cheese: Easy Homestyle Recipe

  • Author: jonathan_evans
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A rich, velvety homemade mac and cheese featuring a smooth roux-based sauce with sharp cheddar and Gruyère, topped with crunchy garlic breadcrumbs for the perfect comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente (subtract 1 minute from package time), then drain without rinsing.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk, continuing to cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add grated cheddar and Gruyère cheese to the warm sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  7. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated.
  8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  9. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and garlic powder, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
  11. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

Do not rinse the pasta after draining as the starch helps the sauce cling. Always grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that cause graininess. Add cheese off the heat to prevent separation. Let the dish rest before serving to ensure the sauce sets properly.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 35
  • Saturated Fat: 20
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked mac and cheese, easy dinner

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Find it online: https://platepure.com/best-creamy-mac-and-cheese-easy-homestyle-recipe/