Go Back

Gratin de Macaroni

Gratin de Macaroni, also known as Mac and Cheese Gratin, is a traditional French dish that blends creamy, cheesy macaroni with a crisp, golden topping. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and feels like home on a chilly evening.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g elbow macaroni (or short pasta of your choice)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg optional
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Extra grated cheese optional, for topping
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Macaroni:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add 1 lb of elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
  • In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
  • Add 4 tbsp of flour to the melted butter, stirring to form a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  • Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  • Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.
  • Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded Gruyère cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and the cheese is fully melted.
  • Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
  • Pour the pasta and sauce into a greased baking dish.
  • Create the Topping:
  • In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko) with 2 tbsp of melted butter.
  • Add extra grated cheese if desired and stir until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve:
  • Scoop portions onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Gratin de Macaroni!
Keyword Gratin de Macaroni
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!