Country Style Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Country Style Macaroni and Cheese recipe takes a classic favorite to the next level. Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luxurious blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Colby Jack cheese, this dish is topped with crisp, golden breadcrumbs infused with Parmesan for the perfect crunch. A touch of paprika and black pepper enhance the rich and velvety cheese sauce, made from a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this baked macaroni and cheese is an easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s ready in just 45 minutes. Pair it with your favorite green salad or serve it as a decadent main course—this recipe guarantees smiles around the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 1 cup Fresh breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the raw taste out of the flour.
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken (about 4-5 minutes).
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and Colby Jack cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth after each addition.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste the cheese sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil or melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Country Style Macaroni and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
890 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.4 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.2 g | 161% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 156 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 1007 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.8 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 33.6 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 748 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 342 mg | 7% | |
*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.
