Description
Rich, creamy, and topped with a golden, crunchy layer — this Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese takes comfort food to the next level! 🧀✨
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for extra crunch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce and pour into prepared baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and optional Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden, bubbly, and crispy on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
💡 Tip: For extra gourmet flavor, add caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or a blend of cheeses. The crunchy topping adds the perfect texture!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Comfort Food, Gourmet Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: gourmet baked mac and cheese, crunchy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, baked macaroni