Teresa's Recipes
Gourmet Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this gourmet mac and cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings back childhood memories while elevating your dining experience. The combination of sharp cheddar and rich Parmesan creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Uncooked macaroni
- 1 teaspoon (for pasta water) Salt
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 cups, whole milk preferred Milk
- 2 cups, shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Bread crumbs
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to cook until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure all the pasta is coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with bread crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon bits or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Gruyère or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
- You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat!