Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly. While the oven warms up, you can prepare the other components of your dish.
Butter a 2½ quart casserole dish. Use a little extra butter to coat the dish evenly, which will prevent sticking and add flavor. Set it aside while you prepare the macaroni.
Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. This salt will season the pasta as it cooks, ensuring it’s flavorful.
Add the macaroni to the boiling water. Cook it until just al dente, about 6 minutes. You want it firm, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Be careful not to overcook!
Drain the macaroni well in a colander. Do not rinse it, as this will wash away the starch that helps the cheese sauce adhere.
Return the pot to the stovetop. Over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter until it’s foaming. This fragrant butter will form the base of your cheese sauce.
Whisk in the flour and let it cook until bubbling but not browned, about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce.
Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Keep whisking until the mixture comes to a boil, then remove from heat. It should thicken nicely.
Stir in the cheeses until melted. This is where the magic happens! The combination of cheddar and Gruyere creates a rich, creamy sauce.
Fold in the macaroni, stirring until everything is uniformly combined. It should be a beautiful blend of pasta and cheese.
Season to taste with salt and hot sauce, if desired. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly, ensuring every bit of macaroni is covered in that luscious sauce.
In a medium bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This will infuse the breadcrumbs with flavor.
Add the breadcrumbs to the garlic butter and toss until they are evenly coated. This will give your Baked Mac and Cheese a delightful crunch.
Pour the breadcrumbs over the macaroni mixture, ensuring an even layer. This will give your Baked Mac and Cheese a delightful crunch.
Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
