Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of our Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese Recipe—a dish that promises to be your new comfort food favorite. With its velvety cheese sauce enveloping tender elbow macaroni and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or any occasion that calls for deliciousness. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also allows for personal touches with various cheeses and spices. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this mac and cheese will impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 quart whole milk
- 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
- 4 ounces Jarlsberg cheese, grated
- 4 ounces Fontina cheese, grated
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon red apple vinegar
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a buttered baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, warm the milk and mix spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.) in a bowl.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan; whisk in flour for about 2 minutes. Gradually add warmed milk until thickened.
- Stir in spices and vinegar; then temper the beaten egg before adding it into the sauce along with all grated cheeses.
- Combine pasta with the cheese sauce until well mixed.
- For topping, combine Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and thyme; spread over mac and cheese.
- Bake for approximately 35 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
Find it online: https://recipesamanda.com/ultimate-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/