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Ultra-Creamy Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9x13-inch shallow baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta until just al dente, drain well, and set aside.
  3. In a large pot, melt 5 tablespoons butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in white cheddar and Gruyère until completely melted.
  6. Add Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring to combine.
  7. Fold in cooked pasta until every piece is coated in sauce.
  8. Pour into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  9. Toss panko with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown and edges are bubbling, then let stand 5 minutes before serving.