Description

A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese recipe that uses a splash of apple cider vinegar to cut through the richness, creating a bright, tangy, and silky smooth comfort food dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
3 cups (720ml) whole milk, cold
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Melted butter for topping

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until light golden.
Gradually pour in cold milk while whisking vigorously until the mixture thickens and simmers gently, about 5 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Turn heat back to low. Add half the cheddar and all the Gruyere, stirring until melted. Add remaining cheese and stir until smooth. Do not boil.
Stir in apple cider vinegar.
Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Control heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Let the mac rest before serving to allow the sauce to set. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 800
Fat: 35
Saturated Fat: 20
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 22

Keywords: mac and cheese, vinegar hack, comfort food, easy dinner, cheddar cheese, Gruyere, baked pasta, family friendly