Introduction
Indulging in a warm, creamy dish of macaroni and cheese is a comforting classic that resonates with many. With its cheesy richness, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner table. Combining sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese, this macaroni dish is finished with a crunchy Panko topping, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Pasta:
– 1 pound dry elbow macaroni (1 box)
– 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅝ stick)
– ¼ cup minced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– 3¼ cups whole milk, room temperature
– ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
– 4 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 2 cups freshly shredded Swiss cheese
For the Topping:
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick)
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
– Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a pot of salted water, boil the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion along with a sprinkle of salt, and sauté for a couple of minutes until the onion is softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Create Roux
Stir in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour until the mixture becomes pasty, ensuring no lumps remain.
Step 4: Add Milk
Gradually pour in 3¼ cups of room temperature whole milk while whisking the mixture over low-medium heat. Continue to whisk until the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream
Whisk in ½ cup of room temperature sour cream until fully combined. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 6: Cheese Mixture
Combine 4 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 cups of freshly shredded Swiss cheese, reserving 2 cups of this cheese mixture for later.
Step 7: Melt Cheese
Add the remaining cheese combination to the skillet and stir until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, stirring well to ensure all the pasta is coated in the cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking pan evenly.
For the Topping
Step 1: Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture
In a small saucepan or skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Step 2: Combine Breadcrumbs and Seasoning
Add 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder to the melted butter, stirring until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Evenly top the macaroni and cheese with the remaining cheese mixture and the prepared breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are toasted to a golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Cheese Selection
Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Note 2: Pasta Cooking
Ensure not to overcook the pasta while boiling, as it will continue to cook during baking.
Note 3: Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Boil the dry elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, which means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Drain and rinse to stop the cooking process.
Sautéing Aromatics
Melt unsalted butter in a skillet. Add minced onion and a pinch of salt, sautéing until they soften. Then, add minced garlic for flavor.
Making a Roux
Stir all-purpose flour into the butter and aromatics to form a paste. This roux thickens the sauce and adds a rich flavor to the dish.
Creating a Cheese Sauce
Gradually whisk in room-temperature whole milk into the roux over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Then, incorporate sour cream for creaminess.
Melting Cheese
Mix freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses into the thickened sauce until they melt into a smooth and creamy mixture.
Coating Pasta
Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated before transferring it to a baking pan.
Preparing a Breadcrumb Topping
Melt butter in a skillet and mix in Panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and garlic powder until the breadcrumbs are coated and ready for topping.
Baking
Bake the macaroni and cheese mixture with the breadcrumb topping in a preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown, providing a crispy texture to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
While elbow macaroni is traditional for mac and cheese, you can use other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar tangy flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it when you are ready to serve.
What can I use instead of Panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, although Panko gives a lighter, crispier texture.
Can I add other ingredients to the mac and cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cooked bacon, vegetables like broccoli, or spices to customize your dish.
Conclusion
This creamy and cheesy macaroni dish is sure to delight anyone who tries it. The layers of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses provide a rich flavor, while the crispy Panko topping adds just the right crunch. Perfect for gatherings, it’s a comforting meal that can easily steal the spotlight.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon
Incorporate crispy bacon bits into the cheesy mixture for a smoky flavor twist.
Vegetable Mac and Cheese
Add steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach for a nutritious boost, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Mix in shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce for a spicy kick that will satisfy heat lovers.
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Drizzle some truffle oil into the cheese mixture for an elegant and gourmet touch.
Italian Mac and Cheese
Incorporate Italian sausages and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
Mac and Cheese with Lobster
Stir in chunks of lobster meat for a luxurious seafood version of this classic dish.
Sriracha Mac and Cheese
Add Sriracha sauce to the mix for a creamy and spicy version that packs a punch.
