Description
Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Easter Comfort Food! This rich, creamy dish is a perfect side for your holiday gathering, delivering bubbly, golden perfection that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, then stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and Gruyere until melted. Pour this cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir gently to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni.
- Add a pinch of mustard powder for an extra kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- You can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Baked Mac and Cheese, Easter Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Holiday Side Dish, Cheese Dish