Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Comfort Food Perfection

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy mac and cheese recipe that combines sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and a crispy panko topping. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this homemade mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to create a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Ingredients:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni (or other tubular pasta), cooked
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside. Combine the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.

Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Drain, place in a large bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Stir to coat the pasta and set aside to cool while preparing the cheese sauce.

In a deep saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking until bubbles appear on the surface, then cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add 2 cups of the shredded cheese mixture and whisk until smooth. Add another 2 cups and continue whisking until the sauce is creamy and thick. Stir in the cooled pasta until fully coated with the cheese sauce.

Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese, then add the remaining mac and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy!