Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe blends sharp cheddar with a hint of nutty Gruyère, creating a comforting side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it's a delightful vegetarian twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni - 150 grams
• Sharp cheddar cheese - 100 grams, shredded
• Gruyère cheese - 50 grams, shredded
• Unsalted butter - 30 grams
• All-purpose flour - 30 grams
• Milk - 300 milliliters
• Mustard powder - 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Breadcrumbs - 30 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then remove from heat.
6. Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
7. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well.
8. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, olive oil, and paprika (if using).
9. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbs: 66 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Provides a good source of calcium from cheese.
• Contains carbohydrates for energy from pasta.

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