If you're in need of some serious comfort food, look no further than this gourmet mac and cheese recipe. Made with a blend of four cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your dinner guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To start, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large baking dish. Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheeses until they are melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake the mac and cheese for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, gourmet mac and cheese!