Description
This Baked Mac and Cheese for Easter Dinner is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this dish is rich, indulgent, and sure to be the star of your Easter table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk, then stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and top with buttered breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest texture.
- For extra richness, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Baked Mac and Cheese, Easter Dinner, Holiday Side Dish, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Easter Recipes, Family Dinner