Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Breadcrumbs Plain and Chipotle

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Breadcrumbs, available in both classic and chipotle-infused versions. This recipe combines creamy layers of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses with perfectly cooked al dente macaroni, delivering a luscious, cheesy bite in every forkful. Topping it all off are golden, garlicky panko breadcrumbs toasted to crispy perfection, providing a satisfying crunch. For an exciting twist, the chipotle version introduces smoky, spicy depth with minced chipotle peppers in adobo, adding a bold kick that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Ready in just under an hour, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing bake for gatherings. Whether you prefer it comforting and mild or with a smoky kick, this baked macaroni and cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams macaroni pasta
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pepper chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

Directions

Step 1

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.

Step 3

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5

Add salt, black pepper, and mix well. If making the chipotle version, stir in the minced chipotle peppers at this stage.

Step 6

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7

In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (but not browned).

Step 8

Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Spread the garlic breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.

Step 10

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. For a chipotle version, garnish with an additional drizzle of adobo sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2032.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4989.3

Total Fat 272.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 150.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 743.1mg	0%
Sodium 6860.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 436.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.1g	0%
Total Sugars 64.1g
Protein 219.2g	0%

Vitamin D 501.4IU	0%
Calcium 4898.3mg	0%
Iron 11.3mg	0%
Potassium 2894.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 34.4%