Servings: 8 | Difficulty: Medium
There's mac and cheese, and then there's Southern-style baked mac and cheese—golden, bubbly, and so creamy it'll make you forget the boxed stuff ever existed. This recipe uses Celtique Brilliance Celtic Sea Salt to enhance the rich cheese flavor without overpowering it, plus a crispy breadcrumb topping for the perfect contrast.
Why This Mac & Cheese Stands Out
- ✅ 3-cheese blend for maximum flavor and meltability
- ✅ Creamy, never grainy (thanks to a foolproof roux)
- ✅ Perfectly seasoned with Celtique Brilliance—no bland bites!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- 1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for extra nooks)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 tsp Celtique Brilliance Celtic Sea Salt (divided)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of warmth)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack, shredded
For the Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp Celtique Brilliance Celtic Sea Salt
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in well-salted water (1 tbsp Celtique Brilliance per gallon) until al dente. Drain but don't rinse—the starch helps the sauce cling.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to form a roux (cook 1 minute until blonde). Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened (coat the back of a spoon). Off heat, stir in ½ tsp Celtique Brilliance salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic powder. Add cheeses in batches, stirring until fully melted.
3. Assemble & Bake
Toss pasta with cheese sauce, then pour into a buttered 9x13" baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, ½ tsp Celtique Brilliance salt, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over top. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
4. The Finishing Touch
Let rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle with a pinch of Celtique Brilliance Celtic Sea salt to brighten the flavors.
Chef's Secrets
- 🧀 For extra creaminess: Replace ½ cup milk with heavy cream.
- 🔥 Smoky twist: Add ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon to the sauce.
- ⏳ Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate overnight—add 10 mins to bake time.
Serving Ideas
- Classic: As the star of any BBQ spread
- Upgraded: Topped with crispy fried onions or jalapeños
- Brunch hack: Serve with a drizzle of hot honey
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Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Avoid it! The anti-caking agents make sauce grainy. Freshly grated melts smoother.
Q: Why salt the pasta water generously?
A: Celtique Brilliance seasons the noodles from within—it's the difference between good and great mac and cheese.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Bake at 350°F with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition per serving: Calories 480 | Fat 28g | Carbs 38g | Fiber 2g | Protein 20g
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