Description

Indulge in the Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, a quintessential comfort food that combines creamy cheese sauce with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all topped with a crispy, homemade breadcrumb layer. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, easily customizable to suit your flavor preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a standout dish for special occasions, this mac and cheese delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 quart whole milk
8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
4 ounces Jarlsberg cheese, grated
4 ounces Fontina cheese, grated
1 stick unsalted butter (113 grams)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon red apple vinegar
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter a baking dish or individual gratin dishes.
Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk gently. In a bowl, mix salt and spices; set aside.
In another large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter, whisk in flour until smooth; gradually add warm milk and cook until thickened.
Stir in the spice blend and vinegar; remove from heat. Temper the beaten egg by mixing it with a spoonful of the sauce before combining it back into the main sauce along with all cheeses until melted. Mix in cooked pasta thoroughly.
Combine Panko crumbs with thyme and melted butter; sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
Bake for about 35 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 490
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 80mg