Gratin Normand aux Macaronis – Creamy, Cheesy & Delicious

This Gratin Normand aux Macaronis is a rich and comforting French dish that combines tender macaroni with a creamy sauce, perfectly baked to golden perfection. With a mix of French Normandy flavors, this gratin features cheese, cream, and a hint of apple cider, making it a truly unique twist on a classic mac and cheese.

Recipe Overview

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Calories: ~400 per serving

Ingredients

For the Gratin:

• 300g (about 10 oz) elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup dry cider (preferably apple cider for the authentic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental cheese)
• 1 cup grated Camembert or Brie cheese (for a creamy texture)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni:

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, but slightly undercook it by 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to make a roux. Slowly add the heavy cream, milk, and cider, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Add the Cheese:

Lower the heat and stir in the Gruyère and Camembert cheeses, mixing until they are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is fully coated.

5. Assemble the Gratin:

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.

6. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

7. Serve:

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations:

• For extra flavor, you can add a bit of chopped cooked chicken or bacon to the gratin.
• For a richer taste, try using double cream instead of heavy cream.
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon or sausage and adding more veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
• Make ahead: Prepare the gratin up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

This Gratin Normand aux Macaronis is the perfect French-inspired comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of rich flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a fresh salad, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal