Cheddar Cheezers Baked Macaroni
Indulge in ultimate comfort food perfection with this Cheddar Cheezers Baked Macaroni recipe, a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly crunchy take on a classic. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is elevated with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a quick bake in the oven, this family-friendly casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Bursting with bold flavors and a hint of paprika for added warmth, this baked macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
Combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the dish.
Bake the macaroni in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheddar Cheezers Baked Macaroni!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6005 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 352.8 g | 452% | |
| Saturated Fat | 216.3 g | 1082% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1074 mg | 358% | |
| Sodium | 7310 mg | 318% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 456.0 g | 166% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.3 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.2 g | ||
| Protein | 243.1 g | 486% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.8 mcg | 54% | |
| Calcium | 5027 mg | 387% | |
| Iron | 23.2 mg | 129% | |
| Potassium | 1661 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
