Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese! This rich and creamy dish transforms the classic childhood favorite into an irresistible culinary delight that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a gourmet masterpiece that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing your guests. Ready to elevate your mac and cheese game? Dive into our recipe and discover the secret to making the cheesiest, dreamiest macaroni dish you've ever tasted!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Ensure the butter is fully melted and slightly bubbling.
- Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This will help thicken the cheese sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.
- Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander, shaking off excess water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Pour the hot cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir gently until all pasta is evenly coated.
- Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to set and absorb into the pasta.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or paprika if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and texture when mixed with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Whisk Away Lumps: When making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously when adding the milk to prevent any lumps from forming. A smooth sauce is key to a perfect mac and cheese.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar and Parmesan are delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices or herbs to the cheese sauce. A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor profile even more.
- Resting Time: Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for a few minutes after mixing in the sauce. This helps the sauce to thicken and cling to the pasta better, resulting in a creamier dish.
- Garnish for Flair: For a restaurant-style finish, garnish your mac and cheese with a sprinkle of extra cheese, black pepper, or paprika before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 80mg
