If there’s one comfort food that combines the cozy warmth of home cooking with the indulgent creaminess of French cuisine, it’s Gratin de pâtes au fromage. This classic French dish is a baked pasta delight, featuring tender pasta smothered in rich cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crispy crust. Perfect as a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this recipe will guide you step by step to achieve cheesy perfection.

Ingredients

For 4 servings:

Pasta: 300 g (macaroni, penne, or fusilli work best)

Butter: 30 g

All-purpose flour: 30 g

Milk: 500 ml (whole milk recommended)

Grated cheese: 150 g (Gruyère, Emmental, or Comté)

Parmesan cheese: 50 g

Nutmeg: a pinch (optional)

Salt and black pepper: to taste

Breadcrumbs: 50 g (for the crispy topping)

Optional add-ins:

Cooked ham cubes or bacon bits

Sautéed mushrooms

Spinach or other vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) to preheat while preparing the pasta and cheese sauce.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook until just al dente (slightly firmer than usual as it will bake in the oven).

Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce (Béchamel)

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, forming a smooth roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.

Cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Remove from heat and stir in:

Grated cheese (reserve a little for topping)

Nutmeg (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

This velvety sauce is the heart of the gratin—it binds the pasta together and delivers the cheesy goodness.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.

Add optional ingredients like ham, mushrooms, or spinach if using.

5. Assemble the Gratin

Grease a baking dish with butter.

Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into the dish.

Sprinkle evenly with the reserved grated cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy topping.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

For an extra crispy top, you can broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—but watch carefully to avoid burning.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for a few minutes.

Serve hot as a main dish or a hearty side.

Tips for the perfect Gratin de Pâtes au Fromage:

Use high-quality cheese for richer flavor.

Don’t overcook the pasta; it should finish cooking in the oven.

Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated ones.

Add a touch of Dijon mustard to the sauce for subtle depth.

Variations You Can Try

Seafood Gratin: Mix in cooked shrimp or smoked salmon.

Vegetable Gratin: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.

Spicy Twist: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for heat.

Gratin de Pâtes au Fromage is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of comfort, creaminess, and cheesy indulgence. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe guarantees smiles around the table.