Gourmet Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese

$For the perfect baked mac and cheese, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups whole milk - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish, with a crunchy topping. When it comes to cheese, quality matters. I recommend using: - Sharp cheddar cheese for its bold flavor - Gruyère cheese for its creamy texture Combining these two cheeses gives your dish a great depth of flavor. Choose fresh cheese for the best results. Want to jazz up your mac and cheese? Consider adding: - Cooked bacon or pancetta for a savory kick - Steamed broccoli or spinach for a pop of color - Hot sauce for some heat These optional ingredients let you customize the dish to your liking. Enjoy experimenting! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a nice bake. While the oven warms up, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Then, toss in 8 oz of elbow macaroni. Cook it until it’s al dente, as per the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Now, let’s make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk this mix for about 2 minutes. This creates a roux, which is the base for our sauce. Next, slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk. Make sure to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mix thickens, about 5-7 minutes. You'll want a creamy texture here. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once mixed, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, it’s time to add cheese. Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts, leaving you with a smooth sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with your creamy cheese sauce. Stir gently but well. You want every piece of macaroni coated. Pour this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. For the topping, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate bowl. Add a pinch of salt and stir until well combined. Sprinkle this topping over the macaroni and cheese, ensuring every bit is covered. Now, place your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and crispy. The smell will fill your kitchen with warmth. Enjoy the process as your gourmet dish comes to life! To make a creamy cheese sauce, start with a roux. Melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan. Once melted, add two tablespoons of flour. Whisk this mix for about two minutes without browning. Next, slowly add in two cups of whole milk. Be sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps. After about five to seven minutes, you will see the sauce thicken. Once thick, stir in one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Finally, add two cups of sharp cheddar and one cup of Gruyère cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. For the best pasta, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Next, add eight ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until it is al dente. This usually takes about eight to ten minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta; you want the starch to help the cheese sauce stick. To make a crunchy topping, mix one cup of panko breadcrumbs with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Stir until the breadcrumbs are fully coated with oil. This mix will provide an amazing crunch when baked. Sprinkle it evenly over the mac and cheese before it goes in the oven. This ensures every bite has that delightful crunch. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a richer flavor profile. The quality of the cheese can significantly enhance the overall taste of your mac and cheese. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents a mushy texture and keeps the pasta firm. Add Extra Flavor: Consider incorporating additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also mix in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for added texture and taste. Let it Rest: Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps the dish set up, making it easier to serve and enjoy. {{image_4}} If you want a healthier dish, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nutty flavor. It’s great for those who want to feel full longer. Gluten-free pasta is perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Both options work well in this recipe. Just cook them as you would regular pasta, and follow the same steps. Want to mix it up? Consider adding bacon or veggies. Cooked bacon adds a salty, smoky taste. Just chop it up and stir it into the cheese sauce. For veggies, try spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Cook them lightly before adding to your dish. This enhances flavor and adds nutrients. You can enjoy a gourmet meal that’s also good for you. You can take this dish global by using unique cheeses. Try adding Gouda for a rich, creamy taste. Feta can give a salty kick, while blue cheese adds a bold flavor. Mix and match different cheeses for your own twist. Each cheese will change the dish's flavor, making it fun to experiment. Enjoy your culinary journey with every bite! To store leftover baked mac and cheese, first let it cool. Once cool, transfer it into an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. When reheating, you want the mac and cheese to taste great. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Cover it with foil to trap in moisture. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave. Just use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. To freeze baked mac and cheese, cool it completely first. Then portion it into freezer-safe containers. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. The best cheese for baked mac and cheese is sharp cheddar. It adds a rich flavor. Gruyère cheese works well too, giving a creamy texture. A mix of these cheeses creates a great taste. You want to use high-quality cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded options. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the mac and cheese and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly. You can bake it later when you're ready to serve. This makes it great for parties or busy nights. Remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. To prevent dry mac and cheese, don’t overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente so it stays firm. Use enough cheese in your sauce to keep it creamy. You can also add more milk if it's too thick. Lastly, cover the dish while baking helps trap moisture. Yes, a few mistakes can happen. One common mistake is not seasoning enough. Always taste the sauce before mixing it in. Another mistake is using low-quality cheese, which affects the taste. Finally, don’t skip the breadcrumbs! They add a nice crunch that makes the dish special. In this post, we explored the essential ingredients and steps to make baked mac and cheese. We discussed the best cheese choices and added tips on achieving a creamy sauce and crunchy topping. You learned about fun variations and smart storage methods. In conclusion, perfecting baked mac and cheese is easy with the right ingredients and techniques. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your tasty creations with friends and family!$

Gourmet Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese

A deliciously creamy and crunchy baked macaroni and cheese dish, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste Salt and pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready for baking once the mac and cheese is assembled.
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes, allowing it to form a roux without browning.
Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Keep whisking until the mixture begins to thicken, approximately 5-7 minutes, achieving a creamy base.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once combined, remove the saucepan from heat.
Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese into the sauce, stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with the creamy cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of macaroni is well-coated with the sauce.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with oil, making for an irresistible crunchy topping.
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese, ensuring every part of the dish is covered for a delightful crunch.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and crispy. The aroma will be irresistible!
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your gourmet creation!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or vegetables.

Keyword baked, cheesy, comfort food, gourmet, mac and cheese