Cozy Extra Creamy Classic Mac N Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This cozy extra creamy classic mac n cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining three types of cheese for a rich, velvety sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac n cheese.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly, avoiding browning.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
8. Step 8: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and a pinch of salt to create a crispy topping.
9. Step 9: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
11. Step 11: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with paprika and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, stir in cooked bacon or diced ham before baking for a savory twist.

Storage

Store leftover mac n cheese covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap in cheeses like Monterey Jack, fontina, or even a sharp Parmesan for different flavors and textures.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the roux and substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Cozy Extra Creamy Classic Mac N Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 75 reviews

This Cozy Extra Creamy Classic Mac N Cheese recipe delivers a rich and indulgent comfort food experience featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella, baked to perfection with a crispy panko topping. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this classic dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunchy finish.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping and Garnish

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the mac and cheese later.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes golden and bubbly, being careful not to brown it.
4. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
6. Season Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly until all pasta is coated.
8. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and a pinch of salt to make a crispy topping.
9. Assemble: Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
10. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with paprika and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor and texture, consider adding cooked bacon or diced ham to the mac and cheese before baking.
• Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but you can substitute with 2% milk if needed.
• Gruyère adds a nice nuttiness, but if unavailable, you can substitute with extra cheddar or another semi-hard cheese.
• To make the topping extra crispy, toast the panko breadcrumbs in olive oil in a skillet before sprinkling on top.

Keywords: mac and cheese, classic mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta