The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
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The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
Discover the perfect mac and cheese recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a party side dish, this recipe guarantees to satisfy your mac and cheese cravings.
Description:
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as mac and cheese. The ultimate mac and cheese recipe takes the classic to the next level with a perfect blend of cheeses, a silky béchamel sauce, and a crunchy, golden breadcrumb topping. From stovetop preparation to oven baking, this dish is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Discover the ultimate mac and cheese recipe for creamy, cheesy perfection. This easy homemade dish features rich cheddar, a velvety sauce, and tender pasta for the best comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, our mac and cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Learn how to make this classic dish everyone will love with our simple step by step guide.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a crowd pleasing side dish, or just indulging in your love for cheese, The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe covers all bases. With easy to follow instructions, simple ingredients, and tips for customization, you’ll master the art of mac and cheese in no time. Dive into the world of creamy, gooey, cheesy goodness with this foolproof recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, paprika, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the pasta. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot and cheesy.
Notes:
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Fontina, or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese in advance and bake it just before serving.
- Gluten Free Option: Use gluten free pasta and breadcrumbs.
The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, paprika, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the pasta. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Fontina, or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese in advance and bake it just before serving.
- Gluten Free Option: Use gluten free pasta and breadcrumbs.
