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Ultimate Mac ‘n’ Cheese

featured in Easy Vs. Ultimate: Mac 'N' Cheese

This mac n cheese is the ultimate comfort food with its gooey, cheesy goodness and crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for any day of the week.

Pierce Abernathy & Marie Telling
Tasty Team
August 14, 2023
92% would make again
Ultimate Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Inspired by tasty.co

Ingredients

for 12 servings

  • ½ lb bacon (225 g), sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (100 g)
  • ½ cup fresh chives (20 g), chopped
  • ½ cup fresh parsley (20 g), chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup flour (30 g)
  • 3 cups evaporated milk (720 mL)
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 lb macaroni (455 g), cooked
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese (65 g), cubed
  • ½ cup gruyère cheese (50 g), shredded
  • ½ cup colby jack cheese (65 g), cubed
  • ½ cup smoked gouda cheese (50 g), shredded
  • ½ cup provolone cheese (65 g), cubed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 g)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)

Nutrition Info

  • Calories 567
  • Fat 27g
  • Carbs 59g
  • Fiber 1g
  • Sugar 10g
  • Protein 26g

Estimated values based on one serving size.

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚C).
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon crispy and the fat has rendered.
  3. Add the garlic, bread crumbs, chives, and parsley. Stir and cook until the bread crumbs are toasted, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pot.
  4. In the same pot on medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until combined.
  5. Add the evaporated milk and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and cayenne. Whisk to incorporate and smooth any lumps. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon.
  6. Add the pasta to the sauce and stir to combine.
  7. Add the cheddar, Gruyère, Colby Jack, Gouda, and provolone cheese, then fold the cheeses into the pasta. If it seems too dry, add more milk to your liking.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the mac ‘n’ cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.
  10. Serve with a sprinkle of the bread crumb mixture for added flavor!
  11. Enjoy!
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Ultimate Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Inspired by tasty.co