Okay but Stargazer Mac & Cheese? That sounds like comfort food made by a constellation ✨🧀💫 Let’s go for ultimate creamy-meets-crispy vibes — something that feels like eating golden stardust under a blanket.
🌌 Stargazer Mac & Cheese
Creamy, dreamy baked mac with a buttery, golden top and a cosmic blend of cheeses. Basically the Milky Way in a casserole dish.
Ingredients (serves 4–6):
Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half = extra dreamy)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1/2 cup Gruyère or mozzarella (stretchy!)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan (for salty sparkle)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of mustard powder or paprika for flavor lift
Crunchy Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Parmesan
- Optional: a little garlic powder or fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta:
Boil in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer 3–5 mins until thickened. - Cheese It Up:
Stir in cheeses a handful at a time. Add salt, pepper, and spice (if using). Remove from heat once melted and velvety. - Combine:
Mix pasta with cheese sauce and pour into a buttered baking dish. - Top with Stardust:
Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan, and seasoning. Sprinkle over mac. - Bake & Shine:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 mins until bubbly and golden. Broil last 1–2 mins for extra crunch.
✨ Caption Idea:
“This Stargazer Mac & Cheese is what happens when comfort food stares up at the night sky and dreams big. 🧀🌌⭐”
📸: Overhead shot with bubbling cheese, breadcrumb sparkle, and maybe a gold fork for a little celestial drama.
Want a truffle twist, vegan version, or mini baked ramekins for a dinner party?
