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Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese

This Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch features a creamy cheese sauce enveloping tender macaroni, topped with a buttery, golden crust. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 540 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter for the sauce
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3.5 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Crunchy Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden and fragrant.
  • Gradually add warm milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  • Lower heat to low and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Stir the cooked macaroni into the sauce until evenly coated.

Topping and Baking

  • In a bowl, combine panko, melted butter, Parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
  • Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly on top.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and the topping stays crisp.

Notes

For an even crispier topping, toast breadcrumbs in butter before baking. Mix in Gruyère or fontina for extra creaminess. You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, baking just before serving. Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a hearty twist.
Keyword Baked Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Crispy Topping, Gourmet Recipe