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A bubbling dish of baked macaroni and cheese fresh from the oven

Gourmet Mushroom Mac and Cheese

A rich and creamy gourmet mac and cheese featuring earthy mushrooms and a blend of Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection with a crunchy panko topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or other preferred pasta shape
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk plus a splash of heavy cream, optional
  • 1.5 cups freshly grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1.5 cups freshly grated Fontina cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Mushroom Mixture

  • 8 oz mixed cremini and shiitake mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing mushrooms

Topping

  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter for topping

For Serving

  • white truffle oil optional, for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until browned, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Cheese Sauce

  • Melt butter in a large saucepan, then whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste.
  • Gradually whisk in whole milk until the sauce thickens and simmers, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low, add Gruyère and Fontina cheeses in batches, stirring until melted, then season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic powder.

Assembly and Baking

  • Add the cooked macaroni and sautéed mushrooms to the cheese sauce and stir gently until everything is thoroughly coated.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, then mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the pasta along with Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving, and drizzle with white truffle oil if desired.

Notes

For an extra rich sauce, use a splash of heavy cream. Ensure the cheese is freshly grated for the best melting and flavor. Adjust seasonings to your preference.