Extraordinary Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in creamy, cheesy perfection with this *Extraordinary Macaroni and Cheese*, the ultimate comfort food that redefines a classic. Featuring a rich blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and salty Parmesan cheeses, this dish combines indulgent flavors with a luxurious, velvety sauce. The crispy, golden panko breadcrumb topping—infused with paprika and olive oil—adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Made with a roux-based cheese sauce for a silky texture and baked to golden brown perfection, this macaroni and cheese is as satisfying as it is crowd-pleasing. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck parties, this recipe is destined to become a cherished favorite. Easy to make and ready in under an hour, it’s comfort food at its finest!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow macaroni
- 6 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
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 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, paprika, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter (melted). Mix well to evenly coat the breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb 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 brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Extraordinary Macaroni and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5694 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 333.8 g | 428% | |
| Saturated Fat | 184.0 g | 920% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 914 mg | 305% | |
| Sodium | 5993 mg | 261% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 456.4 g | 166% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.8 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.2 g | ||
| Protein | 204.4 g | 409% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 4073 mg | 313% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 1535 mg | 33% | |
*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.
