Gourmet Mac Cheese W Lots of Variations
Elevate your comfort food game with this Gourmet Mac & Cheese recipe bursting with rich, creamy flavor and endless customization options. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is coated in a luxurious, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and Parmesan for a trifecta of bold, cheesy goodness. A touch of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and paprika enhances the flavor profile, while a golden, crunchy panko topping adds irresistible texture. Whether you stick with the classic version or experiment with mix-ins like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or vibrant steamed broccoli, this baked mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser for weeknights, potlucks, and special occasions. With only 15 minutes of prep, this customizable dish is your go-to for indulgent yet approachable comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for topping)
- 1 cup mix-ins such as cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Remove the cheese sauce from heat. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
If using optional toppings, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac & cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac & cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
For mix-ins, stir them into the cheese sauce along with the macaroni before baking or serving. Popular options include cooked bacon bits, steamed broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms.
Serve hot and enjoy your customizable gourmet mac & cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
894 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.5 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.3 g | 141% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 139 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 1009 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 80.4 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.6 g | ||
| Protein | 33.9 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 701 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 456 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
