Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and this version delivers a rich and creamy sauce with a perfect balance of flavors. Combining sharp cheddar with the nuttiness of Gruyere, it provides a luxurious texture that’s impossible to resist. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re craving a comforting, cheesy dish.
The Creamiest Baked Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese recipe goes beyond the basics to deliver an incredibly creamy and flavorful dish. With the addition of Gruyere and a touch of mustard and nutmeg, it’s elevated to a gourmet level while still maintaining its classic appeal.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
- Serving: 8 servings
- Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, large pot, saucepan
Recipe Title: The Creamiest Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried elbow macaroni pasta
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 cups medium cheddar cheese, grated and divided
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated and divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni for 1 minute less than the package directions indicate to keep it from becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add the milk and half & half: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and half and half. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate the cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 3 cups of the cheddar cheese and 1 cup of the Gruyere cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce: Add the ground mustard, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Prepare to bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar and 1 cup of Gruyere cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is perfect for serving as a side dish or as a main course on its own. Its rich, comforting flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds.