Ultimate Cheesy Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese features a sinfully creamy sauce and a golden, crunchy topping, creating an indulgent side dish that complements your pulled chicken perfectly.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the breadcrumb topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in the flour, whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly (this is your roux).
   • Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken (about 5 minutes).
   • Lower the heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Add 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar and all the Gruyère cheese. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.

3. Combine Garlic and Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until all the pasta is generously coated.

4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.

5. Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

7. Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve alongside your Cajun BBQ pulled chicken!

Flavor Profile Explanation

This Ultimate Cheesy Mac and Cheese is rich and creamy, with the sharpness of cheddar balanced by the nutty flavor of Gruyère. The breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, while the subtle spices ensure every bite is flavorful, perfect for standing up to the bold flavors of your BBQ chicken.