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🍀🧀 Irish Pub Baked Mac & Cheese (No Beer, Extra Creamy!)

This Irish Pub Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety cheese sauce wrapped around tender pasta, baked until bubbling with a golden, buttery crunch on top. Every bite is loaded with sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory parmesan for that cozy, pub-style flavor everyone loves—no beer needed.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ÂĽ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère or Swiss, shredded
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Topping:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • ÂĽ cup parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the roux
  4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
  5. Build the sauce
  6. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  7. Season
  8. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  9. Add the cheese
  10. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar, Gruyère, and parmesan. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
  11. Combine
  12. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  13. Assemble
  14. Pour into a greased baking dish.
  15. Make topping
  16. Mix panko, melted butter, and parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
  17. Bake
  18. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden brown.

Notes

✨ Optional Add-Ins

  • Crispy bacon 🥓
  • Caramelized onions 🧅
  • Extra cheese melted on top in the last 5 minutes

đź’ˇ Pro Tips

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture
  • Don’t overcook pasta—it finishes baking in the oven
  • Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for an extra crispy top 🔥