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    Silky Cheddar and Gruyère Macaroni Bake

    clock-icon80 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A rich and creamy macaroni bake with sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère cheese, topped with a crispy panko crust.

    Ingredients for Silky Cheddar and Gruyère Macaroni Bake

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
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    serves
    8 peoplechevron
    serves
    8 peoplechevron

    Kosher Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Elbow Macaroni

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Unsalted Butter, divided

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sodium Citrate

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Hot Sauce

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Mustard Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Gruyère Cheese, grated

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Panko bread crumbs

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Silky Cheddar and Gruyère Macaroni Bake

    1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).

    2. Cook Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for about two minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss it with 2 tablespoons (30g) of butter in a large mixing bowl.

    3. Prepare Cheese Sauce

    In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a simmer. Whisk in 4 teaspoons (20g) of sodium citrate. Gradually add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, whisking constantly until fully melted. Stir in the hot sauce, mustard powder, and garlic powder. Taste and season with kosher salt if needed.

    4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated. Let the mixture cool slightly, then fold in the grated Gruyère cheese.

    5. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Transfer the mixture into a greased 9- by 13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

    6. Prepare Topping

    In a small mixing bowl, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons (45g) of butter and mix it with the panko bread crumbs. Season with a pinch of kosher salt. Scatter this mixture over the macaroni and cheese, ensuring an even layer.

    7. Bake

    Place the dish on the top rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.

    8. Rest and Serve

    Let the macaroni rest for 15 minutes to set before serving.

    Variations

    Protein-Enhanced Macaroni Bake

    Stir in cooked bacon, ham, shredded chicken, or lobster meat, or add sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

    Veggie Macaroni Bake

    Mix in blanched broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted red peppers before baking.

    Change the Cheese Blend

    Try incorporating a smoked Gouda or smoked Cheddar for a deeper flavor profile, add a bit of blue cheese or gorgonzola sparingly for a punchy note, or include some Fontina or Emmental for a nuttier twist.

    Spicy Macaroni Bake

    Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or Sriracha into the cheese sauce for a kick.

    Introduce New Spices

    Infuse your béchamel sauce with a bay leaf and a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper, toast some mustard seeds or add Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, or experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle powder for smokiness.


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