Homemade Mac n cheese. Had to make it for my youngest bday party.
Ingredients:
16oz elbow macaroni noodles
1 tbsp butter
1 stick butter
1/2 cup flour
4 cups whole milk
3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
2.5 cups freshly shredded gruyere cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 tsp salt
instructions:
Preheat oven to 350F and grease 9×13 casserole dish.
In a large pot, cook macaroni according to instructions. Drain and then add back to pot with one tbsp butter to keep from sticking.
In a large sauce pan, heat stick of butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until all combined. Slowly add in the milk, whisking the entire time. Let this cook for about 8-10 minutes over medium heat or until it turns into a very thick mixture. Be sure to stir often.
Once the milk mixture has thickened greatly, turn off heat and add in cheese. Stir it in and let it melt. Add all the spices to the mixture, and stir until all the cheese has melted and is very thick.
Pour the cheese mixture over top of the noodles and mix until well combined.
Pour into greased 9×13 pan.
In a small bowl, mix together panko, melted butter, and salt. Sprinkle over macaroni.
Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Broil for 3-4 minutes at the end for an extra crispy brown crust, keep an eye on it!
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and occasions. This homemade recipe elevates the traditional dish by combining sharp cheddar with nutty gruyere cheese, creating a rich and flavorful cheese sauce. The addition of spices like garlic powder, ground mustard, nutmeg, and smoked paprika add depth and warmth to the flavor profile, making it a delightful meal for gatherings such as birthday parties. Key to achieving the perfect texture is the preparation of the roux—a mixture of butter and flour—which is slowly combined with whole milk and cooked until thickened. This forms the base of the cheese sauce, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency that coats each piece of elbow macaroni thoroughly. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded enhances the melt quality and taste. The topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a pinch of salt adds a satisfying crunch after baking. Broiling the dish at the end creates a golden-brown crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. For the best result, be sure to cook the pasta al dente, which allows it to hold its shape and absorb the flavors without becoming mushy. Allowing the baked dish to rest before serving helps the sauce set, preventing it from being too runny. This versatile recipe can be adapted by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed vegetables for additional flavor and texture. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, homemade mac and cheese offers a comforting and crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress guests.
sweet 😊😊😊😊😊