Easy Homestyle Baked Gruyere Mac n Cheese is a comforting classic. Creamy, cheesy, and bubbly, this dish is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why Make This Recipe
This mac n cheese recipe stands out because of the combination of cheeses. Gruyere adds a unique flavor that makes it richer than your typical mac n cheese. Plus, it’s a straightforward dish that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Anyone can master this recipe, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
How to Make Easy Homestyle Baked Gruyere Mac n Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound macaroni (or other pasta – I suggest macaroni, cavatappi, or shelbows)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for preparing the baking dish)
- 5 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk, 2%
- 1 1/4 cup half and half
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup medium sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter the inside of a 2-quart baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- While waiting for the water, grate your cheeses. If you have a food processor, it makes this step much easier. Otherwise, use a box grater.
- Mix together the three cheeses (sharp cheddar, medium sharp cheddar, and gruyere). Set aside 1 1/2 cups for your sauce. The rest will be used later in the dish.
- Once the water is boiling, add salt and cook the dried pasta for about 1 minute less than the package recommends for al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with olive oil or a bit of butter to keep it from sticking. Set aside.
- Now, let’s make the roux. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 stick of butter. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute.
- Slowly add half of the milk and half-and-half mixture while whisking constantly until smooth. Then add the rest of the liquid and keep whisking until smooth and well-combined.
- Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce has thickened. Remove it from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Then, add the 1 1/2 cups of cheese reserved for the sauce. Mix well until melted and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour half of the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the reserved cheese on top. Add the rest of the macaroni and cheese and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Easy Homestyle Baked Gruyere Mac n Cheese
Serve this delicious mac n cheese hot from the oven! It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish for fried chicken, burgers, or a fresh salad. You can also add some crunchy breadcrumbs on top for an extra layer of texture.
How to Store Easy Homestyle Baked Gruyere Mac n Cheese
Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Easy Homestyle Baked Gruyere Mac n Cheese
- For a creamier texture, consider using more half-and-half.
- Experiment with different cheeses if you want a unique flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Variation
You can add cooked bacon or diced ham for extra protein. For a veggie twist, try adding steamed broccoli or spinach to the cheese mixture before baking.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Just ensure it can hold onto the cheese sauce well.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac n cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven.
Baked Gruyere Mac n Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta and Initial Ingredients
- ½ pound macaroni or other pasta Macaroni, cavatappi, or shelbows recommended
- ¼ cup unsalted butter Plus extra for preparing the baking dish
- 5 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup milk, 2%
- 1 ¼ cup half and half
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup medium sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
Seasoning
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter the inside of a 2-quart baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- While waiting for the water, grate your cheeses and mix together the three cheeses (sharp cheddar, medium sharp cheddar, and gruyere). Set aside 1 1/2 cups for your sauce and the rest for later.
- Once the water is boiling, add salt and cook the dried pasta for about 1 minute less than the package recommends for al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with olive oil or a bit of butter to keep it from sticking. Set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 stick of butter. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute.
- Slowly add half of the milk and half-and-half mixture while whisking constantly until smooth. Then add the rest of the liquid, whisking until smooth and well-combined.
- Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard, followed by the 1 1/2 cups of cheese reserved for the sauce. Mix well until melted and smooth.
Combining and Baking
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour half of the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the reserved cheese on top, then add the rest of the macaroni and cheese and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
