Gourmet Mac and Cheese: From Box to Bliss
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this surprisingly easy gourmet macaroni and cheese recipe, starting with a humble box of pasta.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 (16 ounce) box | Your favorite brand will do! |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons | Unsalted, please |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup | |
| Milk | 4 cups | Whole milk recommended for creaminess |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | Adds richness |
| Shredded Gruyere Cheese | 2 cups | You can substitute with a blend of cheeses |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup | Sharp cheddar works best |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tablespoon | Adds a tangy kick |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | To taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground is ideal |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup | Panko breadcrumbs recommended for crunch |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup | For topping |
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (this is your roux).
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream: Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and is smooth. Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the cheeses: Add the Gruyere and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. For extra deliciousness, check out this article on different cheese pairings.
You have one-upped KD!
Enjoy your gourmet mac and cheese! But if you skipped steps or substituted ingredients willy-nilly, well... let's just say you might end up with something more closely resembling wallpaper paste than a culinary masterpiece.
