Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this decadent Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a rich and creamy twist on a timeless classic. Made with a velvety trio of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is elevated by a luscious béchamel sauce infused with Dijon mustard and a hint of paprika for added depth and flavor. Topped with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs, every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and crunchy texture. Simple to prepare in just under an hour, this baked mac and cheese is the perfect centerpiece for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever a hearty, soul-warming meal is needed. Treat your taste buds to pure comfort with this cheesy masterpiece!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.75 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Add the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
996 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.8 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.8 g | 179% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 173 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 1130 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.9 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.8 g | ||
| Protein | 38.6 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.6 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 849 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 399 mg | 8% | |
*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.
