Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) whole milk 2 cups (470ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (120g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup (120g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (120g) Gruyere cheese, shredded 1 cup (120g) Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (optional) 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. 2.
   Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
5. 5.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth.
6. 6.
   Add the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce, adjusting the seasonings to taste.
7. 7.
   Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all the noodles are coated.
8. 8.
   Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
9. 9.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
10. 10.
    Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Elbow macaroni — Cook the macaroni until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite when baked.
• Gruyere cheese — Opt for aged Gruyere for a stronger and nuttier flavor in the dish.
• Breadcrumbs — Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier topping.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as adding Monterey Jack or Fontina for a unique twist.
• To make it more indulgent, sprinkle crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms on top before baking.
• For a crunchy texture, mix crushed potato chips or French fried onions into the breadcrumb topping.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top of the baked mac and cheese. Serve it in individual ramekins for an elegant touch.