Description
A creamy and indulgent Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese featuring elbow macaroni baked in a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs for the perfect golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth, and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously, cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta with sauce: In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavors.
- Bake the mac and cheese: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can drizzle a little melted butter over the panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Gruyère cheese adds a nutty flavor, but you may use mozzarella or Monterey Jack as alternatives.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to set properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Thanksgiving mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, Gruyère mac and cheese, comfort food, holiday side dish
