Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy baked mac and cheese with a rich cheddar and gruyere sauce, finished with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese on top. A cozy side dish that works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and holiday spreads
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow noodles (use 2 1/2 cups if using large elbow noodles)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2-1 teaspoon dijon mustard , or yellow
- 2-3 cups medium or sharp cheddar cheese (shred from block)
- 1 cup gruyere, jack or gouda cheese (shred from block)
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- Ground black pepper , to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x9-inch baking dish. Cook your noodles in a large pot of salted water (I like to add 1 Tablespoon salt) according to package. Drain once cooked.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat and whisk in flour. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, whisking consistently.
- Whisk in milk and mustard. Bring to a simmer and then remove from heat.
- Whisk in 2 cups cheddar cheese and 1 cup gruyere and stir until smooth and melted. Add in salt and pepper, to taste.
- Stir in cooked noodles until combined.
- Pour into prepared baking dish and sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the top. Add breadcrumbs, if desired. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Broil 1 minute, if desired.
Notes
Cheese: Sub gruyere with jack, colby, fontina, or mozzarella, or use all cheddar. Use a milder cheddar if preferred.
Make ahead: Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Let sit at room temp 30 minutes before baking.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked. Thaw in fridge, then bake per directions.
Nutrition
Calories: 271kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 42mg, Sodium: 328mg, Potassium: 141mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 445IU, Vitamin C: 0.002mg, Calcium: 260mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
