Gourmet Mac n Cheese
Ingredients:
1 lb high-quality macaroni pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup aged Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and white pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Truffle oil (for drizzling)
Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for a few minutes until it turns golden brown.
Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth sauce. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
Reduce heat to low and add Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season with salt, white pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
Bake the Mac 'n' Cheese:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the mac 'n' cheese to a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac 'n' cheese.
Bake until Golden and Bubbly:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve with Style:
Drizzle truffle oil over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
Garnish with freshly chopped chives.