Name: Creamy Mac Cheese Ready in 15 Minutes for Ultimate Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water); 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk, warmed; 1.5 cups evaporated milk; 1 tsp dry mustard powder; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded; 1 cup Fontina cheese, shredded; 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (for sauce); 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Description

Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe – Ready in Minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
1.5 cups evaporated milk
1 tsp dry mustard powder
1 tsp Dijon mustard
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp kosher salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
1 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

Boil 6 quarts of water with 1 tbsp kosher salt. Add 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions until al dente. Drain well; do not rinse. Set aside.
In the same pot, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for 1-2 minutes until pale golden and nutty-smelling.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups warmed whole milk, then 1.5 cups evaporated milk, ensuring no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking often, until thickened (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat.
Whisk in 1 tsp dry mustard powder, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 0.25 tsp cayenne (optional), 1 tsp kosher salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Gradually add 2 cups sharp cheddar, 2 cups Gruyere, 1 cup Fontina, and 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and smooth after each addition. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Pour into the prepared dish.
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs with 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Notes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 70mg