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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Easy Gordon Ramsay Style Dinner

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This creamy mac and cheese recipe, inspired by Gordon Ramsay, features a velvety cheese sauce clinging to tender macaroni for pure comfort food. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dry)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups extra mature cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated (or Swiss cheese)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp English mustard (optional, Dijon works too)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture bubbles but does not brown.
  3. Gradually pour in 2 cups whole milk, whisking continuously, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp mustard (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
  6. Pour the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all noodles are coated. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk.
  7. For the optional topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and chopped parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese in a baking dish.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the topping is golden and crunchy. For extra crisp, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot and creamy.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Grate your own cheese for best melting. Add cheese off the heat and stir in gradually to prevent grainy or oily sauce. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and flour. For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or cayenne. Make ahead by prepping the cheese sauce and reheating gently before combining with pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, Gordon Ramsay mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, cheese pasta, baked mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, family recipe, kid-friendly

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-gordon-ramsay-style-dinner/