Description
A delicious and rich creamy baked macaroni and cheese dish, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
Instructions
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Prepare the Macaroni: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture thickens. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until it thickens. Stir in the mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyere cheeses. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Assemble: Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations such as adding gouda or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Bread Crumb Topping: For extra crunch, mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared and assembled a day in advance—just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 15 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 mg