This Macaroni au Gratin is a luxurious twist on mac and cheese — with tender elbow pasta bathed in a silky béchamel sauce and layered with melty cheese, then baked to bubbling, golden perfection. It’s cozy, classy, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether served as a comforting side or a hearty main, this French-inspired dish delivers on every level!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins
🔥 Cook Time: 25 mins
⏱️ Total Time: 40 mins
🍽️ Servings: 6
🔢 Calories per Serving: ~420
📝 Ingredients:
- 🍝 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 🧈 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 🌾 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 🥛 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 🧂 ½ tsp salt
- 🌿 ¼ tsp black pepper
- 🌿 Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 🧀 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss/cheddar mix)
- 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan, for topping
- 🧈 1 tbsp butter, for greasing the dish
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Béchamel
In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
3️⃣ Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 cup Gruyère until melted and smooth.
4️⃣ Combine with Pasta
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
5️⃣ Assemble & Top
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Pour in the macaroni mixture, sprinkle with remaining Gruyère and Parmesan on top.
6️⃣ Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crisp topping if desired.
7️⃣ Cool & Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm.
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- ✅ French-inspired elegance with mac & cheese comfort
- ✅ Buttery, creamy, and ultra cheesy
- ✅ Perfect as a side or main dish
- ✅ Great for holidays, dinner parties, or weeknights
- ✅ Easily made ahead and reheats beautifully
📌 Save this Macaroni au Gratin recipe — it’s the classy comfort dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
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