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Amazing Mac ‘n’ Cheese with a Crunchy Twist You’ll Love

Mac 'n' Cheese with a Crunchy Twist You’ll Love
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Make a comforting Mac ‘n’ Cheese extra special with a crispy, flavorful topping perfect for a cozy winter meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  5. Add the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  6. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
  8. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  10. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality, freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
  • Jacob suggests adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a subtle warmth.
  • This recipe works well with other small pasta shapes if you do not have elbow macaroni.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/mac-n-cheese-crunchy-twist-youll-love-winter/