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Gruyere Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes

Gruyere Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of Gruyere Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes, a delightful twist on a classic dish. This rich and creamy mac and cheese features the smoothness of Gruyere cheese paired with sharp Cheddar, balanced beautifully by fresh tomatoes that add a hint of sweetness. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe delivers on taste and satisfaction. Easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve guests, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Tablespoons Kosher salt (to boil the macaroni)
  • 1 pound Cavatappi pasta
  • 1 quart milk
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided, 1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 12 ounces Gruyere cheese (grated)
  • 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (4 small to medium)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed, dried and cut into small cubes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta. Cook about one minute less than the package directions specify (approximately 8 minutes). Drain well while reserving 1/2 cup of the cooked pasta water.
  3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
  4. In a large (4-quart) pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly with a whisk.
  5. While continuously whisking, gradually add the hot milk to the roux mixture. Cook for an additional minute or two until thickened and smooth.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyere, Cheddar, salt, pepper to taste, and nutmeg. Mix in cooked macaroni along with reserved pasta water until well combined. Pour into a greased baking dish.
  7. Slice fresh tomatoes and arrange them on top of the macaroni mixture evenly.
  8. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine with fresh bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the top of the dish.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

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