Easy Restaurant Style Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Restaurant Style Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a creamy, decadent take on a classic favorite. Made with perfectly al dente elbow macaroni swimming in a velvety sauce of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and rich Parmesan, this dish is a restaurant-quality masterpiece you can whip up in just 35 minutes. The secret lies in the luscious homemade cheese sauce, thickened with a simple roux and enhanced with a splash of heavy cream for extra silkiness. Whether you’re serving it straight from the stovetop or broiling it for an irresistible golden crust, this macaroni and cheese is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or holiday feasts. Get ready to savor every creamy, cheesy bite of this easy crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
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. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture remains smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, mixing until fully melted and combined. Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using) to season the cheese sauce.
Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well coated.
Serve immediately for a creamy delight, or transfer to a greased baking dish, top with additional shredded cheese, and broil for 3-4 minutes until golden and bubbly (optional).
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4139 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 275.9 g | 354% | |
| Saturated Fat | 165.7 g | 828% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 852 mg | 284% | |
| Sodium | 5647 mg | 246% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 240.4 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.4 g | ||
| Protein | 164.1 g | 328% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 4043 mg | 311% | |
| Iron | 12.0 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 1490 mg | 32% | |
*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.
