National Mac & Cheese Day is celebrated nationwide this week on July 14, making it the perfect excuse to serve up one of the ultimate comfort foods.
Rich, creamy, and finished with a golden, bubbly topping, our homemade baked mac and cheese — this week’s Outer Banks Life Recipe of the Week — is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough to steal the show at any gathering this summer!
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream until smooth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the panko, melted butter, and Parmesan together, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
The post Recipe of The Week: Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese | National Mac & Cheese Day appeared first on The Outer Banks Life.