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Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

This is the mac and cheese I make when we're grilling steaks at home. Pair it with a perfectly cooked ribeye, garlic whipped mashed potatoes, and warm rolls, and you'll have a dinner that rivals your favorite steakhouse.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Keyword: mac and cheese recipe, mac n cheese recipe, steakhouse mac and cheese
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

Mac and Cheese

  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
  • 8 ounces sharp white cheddar freshly shredded
  • 8 ounces Gruyère freshly shredded
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Crispy Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
  • Slowly whisk in the warm milk, followed by the heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  • Whisk in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the white cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until completely melted and silky smooth.
  • Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated.
  • Transfer the mac and cheese to your prepared baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, combine the panko, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden brown. For an extra crispy topping, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
  • Finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.