Description
This rich and creamy Macaroni Au Gratin is a luxurious twist on classic mac and cheese! Made with a velvety cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a golden crispy topping, it’s the perfect comfort food side dish or main course. A must-try for cheese lovers!
Ingredients
-
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds depth)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (extra for the top)
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden (this is the roux). Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until smooth and creamy. -
Assemble & Add Topping:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the top. -
Bake & Serve:
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent version, use half-and-half or full cream for the sauce.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for additional flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg