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Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch

Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch You’ll Love

Indulge in this Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Baking
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Swap for gluten-free pasta if necessary.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can be substituted with olive oil.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Unsweetened almond milk can be used.
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Experiment with Gruyère for extra sophistication.
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Gouda can be used for a smoky twist.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Pot

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously until bubbly.
  3. Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux and continue stirring for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and is creamy.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until completely melted and blended into the sauce.
  5. Gently mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated in that delightful, creamy goodness.
  6. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the pasta, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For added flavor, incorporate crispy bacon bits or sautéed vegetables into the mac and cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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