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Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe with Gruyere & Cheddar

creamy mac and cheese - featured image

This rich and creamy mac and cheese combines nutty Gruyere and sharp cheddar for a velvety, indulgent dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Add ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gradually add Gruyere cheese and sharp cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece is coated. If desired, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish for baking.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle extra grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of paprika or cayenne on top for extra flavor.
  8. Bake at 375Β°F (190Β°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents affecting the texture of the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste and experiment with cheese blends for added depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, Gruyere mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese, comfort food, kid-friendly recipe