Macaroni Au Gratin

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, then Macaroni Au Gratin has you covered. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a golden, crispy crust. It’s everything you love about mac and cheese, but taken up a notch with a few extra decadent touches. This dish is warm, gooey, and just the right balance of creamy and cheesy—it’s the kind of side dish (or even main dish!) that disappears fast at the dinner table. Seriously, one bite, and you’ll be hooked. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or just craving a cozy meal at home, Macaroni Au Gratin is guaranteed to satisfy your cheesy cravings.

Why You’ll Love Macaroni Au Gratin

Here’s why this dish will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!):

Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

Let’s be real: this is the definition of comfort food. The pasta is perfectly tender, the cheese sauce is creamy and luscious, and the crispy, cheesy topping takes it over the top. It’s cheesy in all the best ways!

Perfect for Special Occasions (or a Cozy Dinner!)

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or even a casual night in, this macaroni au gratin is the kind of dish that turns any meal into an event. It pairs wonderfully with almost anything—whether it’s roast meats, fresh veggies, or just a salad on the side.

Easy to Make, But So Impressive

This recipe might seem fancy with its creamy layers and golden, bubbly top, but it’s actually pretty straightforward to make. You won’t need any complicated techniques to make this delicious dish. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe with plenty of wow factor.

Great for Meal Prep or Leftovers

It’s perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it in advance, pop it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving. And leftovers? They reheat beautifully for another meal—though I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s nothing left to refrigerate!

A Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, Macaroni Au Gratin is a guaranteed hit. It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves—kids, adults, and anyone who’s a fan of cheese.

Ingredients in Macaroni Au Gratin

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this cheesy goodness:

Elbow Macaroni

This classic pasta is the perfect base for a creamy sauce, but you could use another short pasta like penne or shells if you prefer.

Cheese, Lots of Cheese

This is where the magic happens. You’ll need a blend of cheeses for maximum flavor and meltability. Think sharp cheddar for tang, Gruyère or Swiss for richness, and a little Parmesan for a salty bite and a nice crust on top.

Butter

A must for creating a rich, flavorful sauce. It adds depth to the cheese sauce and helps everything come together.

Flour

To thicken the sauce and give it that creamy consistency, you’ll need some flour. It creates the roux that binds everything together.

Milk & Cream

A mix of milk and heavy cream creates the dreamiest cheese sauce—smooth, rich, and velvety.

Mustard Powder

Just a pinch of mustard powder brings out the best in the cheese and adds a little zesty kick that rounds out the flavor. It’s a small touch, but it makes a difference!

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder

A dash of garlic and onion powder gives the sauce an extra layer of savory flavor.

Salt & Pepper

For seasoning, just the right amount of salt and pepper is essential to balance out all that cheese and creaminess.

Fresh Parsley (Optional)

If you want a little color and freshness on top, a sprinkle of fresh parsley can really elevate the dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to make that golden, cheesy masterpiece! Here’s how you do it:

Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Make sure to cook it just until it’s al dente (still firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Slowly add in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Keep cooking, stirring, until the sauce thickens—this should take about 5 minutes.

Add the Cheese

Once the sauce is thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheese, a handful at a time. Stir until each addition melts smoothly into the sauce. Don’t forget to add the mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper at this stage. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta in the cheesy sauce, making sure each piece is coated in that creamy goodness.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

Add the Topping

For that crispy, golden top, sprinkle a bit more grated cheese (I recommend extra cheddar or Parmesan) over the pasta. You can also sprinkle some breadcrumbs if you like a bit of crunch.

Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the macaroni au gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s hot, gooey, and totally irresistible!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 16g
Vitamin A: 20%
Calcium: 300mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 250mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Macaroni Au Gratin

Looking for the perfect way to serve your Macaroni Au Gratin? Here are some ideas:

As a Side Dish

Macaroni Au Gratin is a perfect side for almost any main dish. Serve it with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a simple salad for a balanced meal.

For Holiday Feasts

This cheesy, comforting dish is a holiday favorite. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like roast turkey, ham, or prime rib—add it to your Christmas or Thanksgiving spread!

On Its Own

It’s so rich and satisfying that you can easily serve it as a main dish. Add a light salad on the side, and you’ve got a complete meal.

With a Crunchy Side

Pair it with something crisp to balance the richness, like a tangy green salad or roasted vegetables.

Additional Tips

Add Bacon or Ham

If you want to kick things up a notch, add some crispy bacon or diced ham to the pasta before baking. It’ll give the dish a savory, smoky flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.

Make It Ahead of Time

You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it from the fridge.

Spice It Up

For a little extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce, or add some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.

Use Different Cheeses

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese can add a unique twist to the classic mac and cheese flavor.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the oven will help maintain that crispy top.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Yes, you can use any short pasta shape you like—penne, shells, or rigatoni would all work great in this dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish without cream?

A2: Yes! If you want a lighter version, you can use all milk instead of a milk-cream mixture. The sauce might be a bit thinner, but still delicious.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A3: Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Q4: Can I freeze Macaroni Au Gratin?

A4: Yes, you can freeze this dish. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

Q5: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A5: This dish is naturally vegetarian! Just make sure to use vegetable broth or a vegetarian-friendly cheese if you plan to make any substitutions.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

A6: Absolutely! You can add sautéed onions, spinach, or even peas to the pasta for some extra texture and flavor.

Q7: What can I use for a crunchy topping besides breadcrumbs?

A7: Try crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crumbled potato chips for a different texture.

Q8: Can I add meat to this dish?

A8: Yes, diced ham, bacon, or even cooked sausage would be delicious additions to this macaroni au gratin.

Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?

A9: Add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

Q10: What cheese is best for this dish?

A10: A blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère works wonderfully, but you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even parmesan for added flavor.

Conclusion

Macaroni Au Gratin is the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and golden, crispy top, this dish is a showstopper at any table. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, golden bite!

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