Description
Baked Mac and Cheese with Croutons
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
12 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional for extra flavor)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crouton Topping:
2 cups cubed baguette or crusty bread
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Mac and Cheese
Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour into a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Crouton Topping
In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
Spread the croutons over the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
Garnish with extra thyme or parsley for a fresh touch.
Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese
For extra creaminess, add an extra splash of milk to the cheese sauce before mixing with the pasta.
Use a variety of cheeses like smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack for unique flavor combinations.
Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of this comfort dish! Let me know if you want any additional variations or sides to pair it with.
