Description
A rich and creamy Ultimate Mac and Cheese with Bechamel Sauce, perfect for holiday celebrations like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Add cheddar and Gruyere cheeses to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an extra cheesy flavor, add your favorite cheese blend.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, bechamel sauce, holiday recipe, Christmas, Thanksgiving, comfort food, cheesy pasta