Best Mac And Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family night in, or simply craving something creamy and cheesy, mac and cheese is the perfect dish. Today, I’ll share with you the ultimate mac and cheese recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

1. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should turn a light golden color.
• Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Slowly add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce, stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

1. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy sauce.

1. Prepare the Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

1. Bake the Mac and Cheese:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Mac and Cheese:

• Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gouda, fontina, and mozzarella are great alternatives or additions to the cheeses listed in the recipe.
• Pasta Shapes: While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, other pasta shapes like cavatappi, penne, or shells work well too. Choose a shape that holds the cheese sauce well.
• Creaminess Factor: For an extra creamy mac and cheese, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. This recipe provides a rich, creamy, and cheesy foundation that can be adapted with different cheeses and toppings. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, this mac and cheese recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!