Golden on top, creamy in the middle, and made for a cozy Christmas table. Save this for your holiday potluck! 🎄✨ CHRISTMAS BAKED MAC & CHEESE Serves 8–10 as a side Ingredients: • 1 lb elbow macaroni • ¼ cup butter • ¼ cup all-purpose flour • 3 cups whole milk, warmed • 1 cup heavy cream • 3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar, divided • 2 cups freshly shredded Gruyère, divided • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • ½ tsp garlic powder • ½ tsp salt, plus more for pasta water • ¼ tsp black pepper Golden topping: • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs • 2 tbsp melted butter • Fresh thyme, optional Directions: 1. Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. 2. Cook pasta in salted water 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain. 3. Melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. 4. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer gently, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 4–6 minutes. 5. Remove from heat. Stir in mustard, seasonings, 2 cups cheddar, and 1½ cups Gruyère until melted. 6. Fold in pasta and transfer to the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. 7. Mix panko with melted butter and scatter over the top. 8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Add thyme if desired. Tip: Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce! 🧀 #ChristmasRecipes #MacAndCheese #HolidayPotluck #ChristmasFood #ComfortFood - @lovelycookingco