Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
6. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Cook sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
8. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
9. Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
10. Pour macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
11. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
12. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until top is golden brown and crispy.
14. Let macaroni and cheese cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 584
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 834mg
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 23g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer instead of elbow macaroni.
- You can use any combination of cheeses you like, as long as they add up to 4 cups.
- You can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the macaroni and cheese before baking.
- Add chopped jalapenos or green chilies to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the cheese sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni until al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a whisk to stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps.
- Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving so that it sets up and is easier to cut.
Storage instructions:
Leftover macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover macaroni and cheese with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve macaroni and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute and cozy presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top of the macaroni and cheese before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Steamed broccoli
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
- If the macaroni and cheese is too dry, add a little more milk to the cheese sauce before mixing it with the pasta.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni and cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover macaroni and cheese in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic American comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. It originated in Italy, where pasta and cheese have been combined for centuries, but it wasn't until the 19th century that macaroni and cheese became popular in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
Ortler macaroni and cheese is rich and creamy, with a combination of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and salty Parmesan cheeses. The addition of garlic, onion, paprika, thyme, and oregano gives it a savory, herbaceous flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve Ortler macaroni and cheese as a main dish for a cozy family dinner or as a side dish for a holiday feast.
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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Rich, Comforting