Description
Macaroni Au Gratin is a classic cheesy comfort food with perfectly cooked macaroni in a creamy, rich cheese sauce, baked to a golden, crispy top. This dish is ideal for family dinners, holiday meals, or whenever you need a comforting side dish. With layers of melted cheese and a buttery breadcrumb topping, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or other pasta shapes)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for a crispy topping)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (paste). Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère (or mozzarella) cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into a greased 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top, and sprinkle with a dash of paprika for color (optional).
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s the perfect side dish for roasted meats, holiday meals, or as a comforting meal on its own.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk.
- Add cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed onions to the macaroni mixture for extra flavor.
- For a spicier version, try adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- You can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before mixing with the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg