Name: Cheesy Potato Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Cuisine: Fusion of French and American
Ingredients: Roughly 5 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes.; A couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter.; Two finely chopped garlic cloves.; A tablespoon of plain flour.; About 1 cup of heavy cream.; Half a cup of Parmesan cheese, if you'd like.; One teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme.; Half a teaspoon of kosher salt.; Half teaspoon of black pepper.

A spoon scooping creamy, cheesy potatoes from a white baking dish sprinkled with fresh herbs. | delishdocket.com

This classic macaroni and cheese recipe brings together perfectly cooked pasta and a luxurious cheese sauce. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and blend of premium cheeses, it delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound, traditional pasta
Sharp Cheddar: 2 cups, freshly grated
Gruyère Cheese: 1 cup, grated
Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons
Whole Milk: 3 cups
Seasoned Breadcrumbs: 1 cup

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Pasta: Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, following package instructions.
Create the Sauce: Make a roux with butter and flour, gradually whisk in warm milk until thickened. Add cheeses and stir until melted.
Combine Components: Mix pasta with cheese sauce until thoroughly coated. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
Final Touches: Top with seasoned breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Chef's Notes

Fresh-grated cheese produces superior melting qualities compared to pre-shredded varieties. Monitor pasta cooking time carefully to maintain ideal texture. Add milk gradually to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Variations

Enhance the basic recipe with additions like diced bacon, sautéed onions, or alternative cheese blends such as Monterey Jack or aged provolone. For extra heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños.

A creamy potato dish, layered and baked with a golden crust, garnished with fresh thyme. | delishdocket.com

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the dish up to two days in advance, excluding breadcrumbs. Store covered in refrigerator. Before baking, bring to room temperature, add topping, then bake as directed.

Storage Guidelines

Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or warm entire dish in oven, covered with foil to maintain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with grilled chicken breast or a fresh green salad. The creamy pasta complements crisp vegetables perfectly. Crusty bread makes an excellent accompaniment.

Dietary Modifications

Substitute gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version. Select pasta varieties that maintain structure during baking.

Comfort Food Classic

This dish exemplifies traditional comfort food, combining tender pasta with rich, creamy cheese sauce. The contrast between the crispy topping and creamy interior creates an irresistible texture.

A creamy, baked dish of thinly sliced potatoes layered in a white casserole dish, garnished with herbs and golden edges. | delishdocket.com

Breadcrumb Preparation

Enhance breadcrumbs by combining with melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Adding grated Parmesan creates an extra-crispy golden crust.

Cheese Selection

Select high-quality block cheese and grate just before use. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that affect melting properties and final texture.

Versatile Dish

This recipe suits various occasions from family meals to holiday celebrations. Its reliable results and crowd-pleasing nature make it ideal for gatherings.

Family Friendly

Adapt the presentation using various pasta shapes like shells or wheels. Hidden vegetable additions provide extra nutrition while maintaining appeal.

Deluxe Version

For special occasions, substitute partial milk with heavy cream and add an extra cheese layer beneath the breadcrumb topping.

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked potato casserole topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with herbs from a white dish. | delishdocket.com

Batch Cooking

This recipe yields generous portions suitable for large gatherings. Its proven techniques and reliable results make it an excellent choice for entertaining.

Protein Additions

Transform into a complete meal by incorporating shredded rotisserie chicken, crumbled sausage, or diced ham.

Pasta Technique

Cook pasta two minutes under package directions to prevent overcooking during baking. Proper texture provides optimal sauce absorption.

Freezing Method

Prepare without breadcrumbs for freezing up to three months. When baking from frozen, increase cooking time by 15 minutes.

Enduring Appeal

This elevated version of traditional macaroni and cheese demonstrates why this dish remains a perennial favorite, combining simple ingredients for extraordinary results.

A baked dish of golden-brown, layered sliced potatoes topped with creamy sauce and garnished with herbs. | delishdocket.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this in advance?: Sure! Assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. If baking straight from the fridge, add 10-15 more minutes to the cooking time.
→ Why aren’t my potatoes cooking properly?: Make sure you slice the potatoes super thin and evenly—using a mandolin can help. Thicker or uneven slices cook at different speeds.
→ Can I use any type of potato?: Yukon Golds work best, but russets are a good backup. Avoid waxy potatoes—they won’t soak up the cream sauce very well.
→ What’s the point of covering with foil?: Covering keeps the top from burning while the potatoes get tender. Take it off toward the end for a crispy, golden finish.
→ Can I freeze leftover scalloped potatoes?: It’s doable, but the texture of the creamy sauce might change. These are best fresh or kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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