Overnight Macaroni and Cheese Gratin

Overnight Macaroni and Cheese Gratin
  • PREP TIME
    10 mins
  • COOK TIME
    24 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    25 hrs 4 mins
  • SERVING
    6 People
  • VIEWS
    15

Elevate your comfort food game with this decadent mac and cheese gratin, a sophisticated twist on a classic. Featuring the nutty, complex flavors of Gruyere cheese, this overnight sensation transforms into a creamy, golden-crusted masterpiece that's perfect alongside a perfectly seared steak or a succulent roast.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    32 g
  • Cholesterol
    133 mg
  • Fiber
    1 g
  • Protein
    14 g
  • Saturated Fat
    23 g
  • Sodium
    139 mg
  • Sugar
    4 g
  • Fat
    37 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

02

Step

Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until *al dente*, about 6 minutes, ensuring they retain a slight bite. Drain well. (6 minutes)

03

Step

Infuse overnight: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, and half of the Gruyere cheese. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the drained macaroni and stir to combine thoroughly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. (24 hours)

04

Step

Temper and prepare: Remove the macaroni mixture from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour, taking the chill off for even baking.

05

Step

Bake to golden perfection: Pour the macaroni mixture into a buttered 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese evenly over the top. (5 minutes)

06

Step

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the gratin is bubbly, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy. (25-30 minutes)

07

Step

Let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. (5-10 minutes)

For an even richer flavor, consider using a blend of Gruyere and Comte cheese.
If you prefer a softer crust, cover the baking dish with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove the foil for the remaining time to allow the top to brown.
To add a touch of warmth, stir in a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg along with the salt and pepper.
This dish can be assembled up to 48 hours in advance. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
A sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking will add extra crispiness.

Clyde Pfannerstill

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 5.0/ 5 ( 5 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (9)
  • Myron Klocko

    Made this for a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear! Highly recommend.

  • Berniece Balistreri

    A new family favorite! So much better than regular mac and cheese.

  • Adah Auer

    Easy to follow and the results are delicious. My family loved it!

  • Danny Legros

    This recipe is amazing! The Gruyere cheese makes all the difference. Definitely a crowd-pleaser!

  • Aurelie Mann

    I added some crispy bacon bits on top and it was a hit! Thanks for the great recipe.

  • Sarah Schinner

    The baking time was perfect for my oven. The top was golden brown and the inside was creamy and delicious.

  • Madyson Nitzsche

    I tried it with Comté cheese and it was equally good. A great alternative if you don't have Gruyere.

  • Clementine Lynch

    I was a bit skeptical about the overnight chilling, but it really does enhance the flavor. Will make again!

  • Osvaldo Wilkinson

    I found that 4 hours chilling time was sufficient for me when I was short on time. Still tasted great!

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