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Mac and Cheese Recipe

This mac and cheese is truly unique, brimming with cheesy goodness, richness, and creaminess. Its velvety sauce and soft pasta make this comfort food non-disappointing for the kids and adults alike. This dish is ideal for a quick dinner or as a comforting side dish.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 12
Calories: 642 kcal
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

This mac and cheese is truly unique, brimming with cheesy goodness, richness, and creaminess. Its velvety sauce and soft pasta make this comfort food non-disappointing for the kids and adults alike. This dish is ideal for a quick dinner or as a comforting side dish.

Ingredients
  • 16 oz Elbow Macaroni (Cooked)
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1/3 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 3 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
  • 2 cups Gruyere Cheese (Shredded)
  • Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko Crumbs
  • 4 tbsp Butter (Melted)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Shredded)
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (or Regular Paprika)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 350°F (ca. 177 °C). Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside. Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
  2. 2
    Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.
  3. 3
    • Drizzle the pasta with olive oil and stir to coat it. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.
  4. 4
    Melt butter in a deep saucepan, Dutch oven, or stock pot.
  5. 5
    Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
  6. 6
    Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until lovely and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.
  7. 7
    Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.
  8. 8
    Stir in the cooled pasta until combined, and the pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
  9. 9
    Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups (0.47 l) of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.
  10. 10
    In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 642kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 41g64%
Saturated Fat 24g120%
Cholesterol 125mg42%
Sodium 550mg23%
Potassium 256mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
Sugars 4g
Protein 26g52%
Vitamin A 1325 IU
Vitamin C 0.1 mg
Calcium 650 mg
Iron 1.4 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://therecipenook.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese-recipe/