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Bistro Mac & Cheese

Gourmet Bistro Mac & Cheese

The Crispy Chef
This homemade gourmet mac and cheese takes comfort food to the next level with a rich, velvety cheese sauce and optional crispy breadcrumb topping. A cozy, restaurant-quality dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) dry pasta (cavatappi, shells, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups (960 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (115 g) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup (25 g) panko breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, without rinsing.
  • In the same pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes until golden.
  • Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in dry mustard, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  • Lower heat. Add cheddar and Gruyère in handfuls, stirring until melted. Stir in Parmesan last.
  • Stir in pasta until coated. Transfer to baking dish if desired. Top with buttered panko crumbs.
  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for the creamiest sauce. Don’t add cheese over high heat to avoid separation. Pasta should be slightly undercooked before baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1100IUCalcium: 520mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword baked pasta, comfort food, gourmet mac, mac and cheese
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