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French Mac and Cheese

Elevate your standard mac and cheese with this French twist that features creamy textures, aromatic herbs, and Gruyère cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a medium baking dish.
  • Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
  • Melt butter in the same pot, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
  • Add flour, cook to form a golden roux, and slowly whisk in warm milk until thick.
  • Off heat, stir in cheeses, nutmeg, pepper, and thyme until smooth.
  • Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce and transfer to the baking dish.
  • Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top.
  • Bake until golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
  • Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Add a splash of white wine with the milk for extra French flair. Substitute Comté cheese for Gruyère to vary the flavor.