Description
This Rich Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, baked to golden perfection with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened. Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted, followed by cheddar and Gruyère. Mix until smooth.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and toast panko until golden. Sprinkle on top of pasta.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Rich Mac Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Comfort Food