Description
A creamy and comforting No Bake Mac and Cheese recipe featuring a rich cheese sauce made with Gruyere and Parmesan, topped with crunchy toasted panko breadcrumbs for extra texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stovetop dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal without the need for oven baking.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp chives (optional)
Macaroni and Cheese
- 3 cups macaroni
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (or other hard cheese)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 5 tbsp butter
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups milk
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Toast Panko Crumbs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the panko breadcrumbs. Toast them for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to turn golden brown. Remove from heat, then stir in Parmesan, paprika, mustard powder, and black pepper. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook Macaroni: In a large saucepan, bring generously salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while continuously stirring or whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with mustard powder, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, mixing well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the cheese sauce from heat and gently fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
- Serve: Immediately serve the mac and cheese topped with the toasted cheesy panko crumbs. Optionally, sprinkle with chives for garnish.
Notes
- Toasting the panko breadcrumbs adds a delicious crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta.
- Gruyere cheese is recommended for its excellent melting quality and rich flavor, but you can substitute with other hard cheeses if desired.
- Make sure to whisk the milk gradually into the roux to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth cheese sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
