Macaroni and Cheese
Tender noodles, swathed in an outrageously cheesy, ultra-creamy sauce, and topped with a crisp, panko-parmesan crust. This is macaroni and cheese nirvana!
Servings 8
Calories 934kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or tube-shaped pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 6 tablespoons butter preferably unsalted
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk cold or room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream cold or room temperature
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Topping
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 3- or 4-quart baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray (I used a 3-quart baking dish).
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions, stopping 1 minute before al dente. Drain, transfer to a large bowl, add the olive oil and stir to coat. Set aside to cool.
- Combine the cheddar and Swiss cheeses and set aside.
- Melt the 6 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan or stock pot over medium heat. When the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, bubbly, and golden, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream and continue cooking and whisking until bubbles appear on the surface. Once you see bubbles, continue cooking and whisking for 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Whisk in 2 cups of the cheddar-Swiss cheese blend. Once the cheese has melted, whisk in another 2 cups of the cheese blend, and whisk until smooth, thick, and creamy.
- Fold in the pasta. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the macaroni and cheese in the pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Nutrition
Calories: 934kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 35g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 169mg | Sodium: 770mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1867IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 865mg | Iron: 2mg