Festive mac cheese for Christmas This baked recipe is perfect for your holiday Make this cheesy dish using our delicious easy tech
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound elbow macaroni
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack)
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
Diced ham (optional)
Cooked bacon (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a smooth paste forms (a roux). Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the nutmeg, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. If using, stir in the diced ham or bacon.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Mix well.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
Elevate your holiday feast with Baked Mac and Cheese Christmas! A rich, creamy, and flavorful masterpiece featuring festive spices and a crispy topping.
