Decadent Creamy Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add nutmeg, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle over the mac ‘n’ cheese.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
11. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Dive your fork into this velvety, cheesy paradise and let each bite of this ultimate mac ‘n’ cheese wrap you in a warm, comforting embrace. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug for your taste buds that’ll make you feel like all is right with the world!