🧀 Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Take your comfort food to the next level with this creamy, rich, and perfectly baked gourmet macaroni and cheese. Featuring sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate indulgence for cheese lovers.

📋 Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 90 minutes

• Difficulty: Expert

• Total Calories: 735 kcal

• Cuisine: American

• Category: Main Course, Comfort Food

📝 Ingredients

• 200g elbow macaroni

• 50g unsalted butter

• 50g all-purpose flour

• 500ml whole milk

• 200g sharp cheddar cheese, grated

• 100g Gruyère cheese, grated

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• 50g breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

🧰 Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large saucepan

• Whisk

• Baking dish

• Colander

• Mixing bowl

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta:
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the roux:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a smooth roux.

3️⃣ Prepare the cheese sauce:
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and is lump-free. Stir in the cheddar and Gruyère until fully melted and creamy.

4️⃣ Season the sauce:
Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

5️⃣ Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.

6️⃣ Prepare the topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil.

7️⃣ Bake:
Transfer the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

🔬 Macros (Per Serving)

• Calories: 735 kcal

• Carbs: 80g

• Proteins: 30g

• Fats: 45g

🌟 Pro Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like Fontina, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a deeper flavor.

• Add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions for extra richness.

• For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.

• Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour if needed.

🔎 Keywords

gourmet macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy cheese pasta, comfort food recipes, ultimate mac and cheese