Estate Sale Mac & Cheese Casserole
A decadent baked macaroni and cheese with a golden breadcrumb crust, featuring sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a luxurious twist on a classic comfort food. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 8 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 8 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk while scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent lumps, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and stir in 8 oz grated sharp cheddar and 4 oz grated Gruyère until fully melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: Pour cheese sauce over drained macaroni in a large bowl and toss until fully coated. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs with 1 tbsp chopped parsley, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling, then let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Estate Sale Mac & Cheese Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Estate Sale Mac & Cheese Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Estate Sale Mac & Cheese Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Estate Sale Mac & Cheese Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Estate Sale Mac & Cheese Casserole?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
