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Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese

Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese: Irresistibly Cheesy Delight

Indulge in this Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese, a cheesy delight that transforms a classic into a crowd-pleaser, ready in under an hour.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizers
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound Elbow macaroni the perfect shape to hold that delicious cheese sauce.

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 4 cups Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy flavor that's absolutely irresistible.
  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese brings a nutty richness that elevates your gourmet baked mac and cheese.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese gives a lovely stretch and creaminess to the sauce.
  • 4 cups Whole milk for a creamy base that helps the cheese melt beautifully.
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter essential for creating a luscious and smooth sauce.
  • ½ cup All-purpose flour used to thicken the cheese sauce just right.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder infuses flavor that enhances the cheese blend.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder adds a subtle depth of flavor to the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard powder provides a hint of tanginess and complexity.
  • Salt and pepper to taste, essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

For the Crunchy Topping

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs perfect for achieving that satisfying crunchy texture on top.
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated for a savory topping that adds a delightful flavor.

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley chopped, an optional touch for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Instructions
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  • Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once thickened, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until coated.
  • Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan and melted butter in a bowl.
  • Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading the breadcrumb topping evenly over it.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor. Customize with your favorite add-ins like bacon or vegetables. Bake right after assembling for freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cheesy Delight, Comfort Food, Crowd-Pleaser, Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese, Pasta Dish, quick dinner
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