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Fancy Mac and Cheese

Fancy Mac and Cheese - recipe card
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This elevated version of the classic comfort dish features a velvety three-cheese sauce made with Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan, enriched with cream cheese for extra silkiness. Topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust, it bakes into a creamy, indulgent casserole with a crisp contrast on top — perfect for a family dinner or a special side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus 2 tbsp for topping (melted)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (about 4 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 oz)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz), divided
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted (for breadcrumb topping)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts water). Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions (usually 6-8 minutes). Drain and set aside; the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter foams and begins to smell nutty (about 1-2 minutes), whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light golden and smells slightly toasty — this removes the raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens and just begins to bubble, about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon; if it looks thin, cook 1 minute more.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese pieces, whisking until completely melted and smooth. Whisk in the salt, pepper, nutmeg (if using), and paprika. Stir in the Gruyère, cheddar, and half of the Parmesan cheese — remove from heat and stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently until every piece is coated. The mixture will be very saucy — that’s good, because the pasta will absorb some while baking.
  6. Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered 8×8-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish. Spread it into an even layer.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining Parmesan, and the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened and clump slightly. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
  8. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. If the crumb topping browns too quickly (after about 15 minutes), tent loosely with foil.
  9. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents it from running. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing: Assemble the unbaked dish (without the breadcrumb topping) and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed, adding 10 minutes to the baking time. Reheating: For individual servings, microwave at 70% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top.

Nutrition

Keywords: fancy mac and cheese, pioneer woman mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, three cheese macaroni, gruyere mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, comfort food, family dinner, side dish, vegetarian mac and cheese

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-fancy-mac/