Description
Best Baked Mac and Cheese is an ultra creamy and cheesy comfort food made with a blend of cheddar, fontina, and Gruyère, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or holidays.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a roux.
4. Slowly add milk and heavy cream while whisking until thickened.
5. Stir in cheddar, fontina, and Gruyère cheese until fully melted.
6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce until fully coated.
8. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
9. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting texture.
- Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg