Family Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Family Mac and Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Made with a rich blend of cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses, this baked mac and cheese takes comfort food to a whole new level. A silky, homemade cheese sauce coats perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, while a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect textural contrast. Seasoned with a hint of paprika for a subtle kick and ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve this classic casserole straight from the oven to create a meal your family will request again and again. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this creamy baked macaroni and cheese will quickly become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time. Reserve about 1/2 cup of cheddar for the topping. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, tossing to coat. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Top with the reserved cheddar 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 rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Family Mac and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6093 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 342.3 g | 439% | |
| Saturated Fat | 190.2 g | 951% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 979 mg | 326% | |
| Sodium | 8449 mg | 367% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 492.3 g | 179% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.9 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 69.8 g | ||
| Protein | 244.2 g | 488% | |
| Vitamin D | 13.4 mcg | 67% | |
| Calcium | 5213 mg | 401% | |
| Iron | 25.5 mg | 142% | |
| Potassium | 2133 mg | 45% | |
*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.
