Description
A rich and velvety baked macaroni and cheese recipe that balances comfort and nutrition. This gourmet version uses a silky Béchamel base, quality cheeses, and high-fat dairy for a smooth texture and indulgent flavor.
Ingredients
Dried elbow pasta, 1 lb
Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup
All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup
Whole milk, 1 1/2 cups
Half and half, 2 1/2 cups
Medium cheddar cheese, 4 cups (shredded fresh; 3 cups for sauce, 1 cup for topping)
Gruyere cheese, 2 cups (shredded fresh; 1.5 cups for sauce, 0.5 cup for topping)
Salt, 1/2 Tbsp
Black pepper, 1/2 tsp
Paprika, 1/4 tsp
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
In a large pot, cook the elbow pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly.
Next, add the half and half to the sauce and continue to cook until the mixture is very smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
Gradually stir in the 3 cups of cheddar and 1.5 cups of Gruyere cheese until fully melted and combined. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is well coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheddar and Gruyere cheeses.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the macaroni rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use whole wheat elbow pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend.
Room temperature dairy helps prevent lumps in the sauce.
Avoid using pre-shredded cheese to ensure a silky texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American