Description
Indulge in a bowl of creamy, rich homemade macaroni and cheese, topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour, stirring continuously for about a minute until it forms a paste.
- Create the cheese sauce: Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking constantly until smooth. Increase the heat slightly and continue to stir until the mixture thickens—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the cheese gradually. Aim for a creamy consistency, ensuring the cheese melts entirely before adding more. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well until every piece gets coated in the delicious goodness.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. If you love a crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve & enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving. Watch as friends and family eagerly scoop their servings, delight twinkling in their eyes.
Notes
Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like cooked bacon or vegetables. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg