Divine Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this *Divine Macaroni and Cheese* recipe, a luscious blend of creamy sharp cheddar, nutty gruyère, and tangy parmesan cheeses topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is enveloped in a silky homemade sauce made with whole milk and a touch of heavy cream, seasoned to perfection with a hint of paprika for a subtle smoky kick. Baked to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes, this dish serves up a warm, gooey, and satisfying meal that's ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings. With its rich flavor, indulgent texture, and irresistible crunch, this mac and cheese masterpiece will quickly become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well-coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the panko breadcrumbs until coated. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm. Enjoy your Divine Macaroni and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6164 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 366.5 g | 470% | |
| Saturated Fat | 216.8 g | 1084% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1103 mg | 368% | |
| Sodium | 7165 mg | 312% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 465.3 g | 169% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.3 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 66.8 g | ||
| Protein | 244.0 g | 488% | |
| Vitamin D | 13.2 mcg | 66% | |
| Calcium | 5353 mg | 412% | |
| Iron | 22.4 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 1908 mg | 41% | |
*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.
