Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that elevates a classic favorite to gourmet status. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and tangy Parmesan, the rich cheese sauce is infused with hints of garlic and smoked paprika for depth of flavor. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is coated in this luscious sauce, then topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. Easy to prepare with just 20 minutes of prep time, this baked mac and cheese is ideal for cozy dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and watch as every bite melts in your mouth. If you're craving decadent, homemade mac and cheese baked to perfection, this recipe will not disappoint!
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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
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking continuously, to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the sauce with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
901 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.7 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.0 g | 155% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 145 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 1106 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.7 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.3 g | ||
| Protein | 35.7 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 820 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 346 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.
