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Gourmet Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

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★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

For an exceptional flavor profile, a good variety of cheeses is critical in a quality Macaroni and cheese. My recipe utilizes a drool-worthy smoked gouda, traditional sharp cheddar, and parmesan cheese. Cheesy, creamy, pasta goodness; baked with a crunchy panko and parmesan topping.

  • Author: Brooklynn Mayolo
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2-4 1x
  • Category: Pasta

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac-n-cheese:

  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 c Italian blend cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 c sharp cheddar
  • 1/4 c smoked gouda
  • 1/4 c parmesan 
  • 8 oz pasta shells or macaroni

 

For the crusty topping:

  • 1/2 cup panko
  • 1/2 cup regular bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400F. Lightly grease a 2-3 qt baking dish (unless you have oven safe cookware) Combine Shredded cheeses in a bowl and set aside. Bring a large stock pot of water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta 1 minute shy of al dente as according to package instructions Remove from heat and drain but reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water in a separate container. Drizzle pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to avoid sticking.
  3. Melt butter in a deep sauce pot, dutch oven, or stock pot. Whisk in flour until a golden paste is made. Then whisk in heavy cream and chicken stock. Add garlic powder. Whisk until you see bubbles surface then stop whisking and allow it to thicken at a simmer for about 2 minutes. 
  4.  In increments, whisk in shredded cheeses. Once all the cheeses are melted, salt and pepper to taste. Add the 2 tablespoons of pasta water you saved earlier and stir until incorporated.
  5. Stir in the noodles until fully coated with cheese sauce. Pour into baking dish (unless using a dutch oven or other oven safe pan)
  6. In a small bowl combine panko, regular bread crumbs, and butter. Once incorporated sprinkle over the top and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy!

Keywords: Macaroni and cheese, Mac-n-cheese, dinner, gourmet, mac and cheese, fancy, quality

Find it online: https://www.apleasantpalate.com/gourmet-macaroni-and-cheese/