Elevate your comfort food game with this irresistibly creamy and indulgent Fancy Mac N Cheese recipe. Featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan, this dish is enriched with hints of garlic, dijon mustard, and paprika for a gourmet twist. Topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ready in just 40 minutes, this baked mac and cheese is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you're craving a decadent twist on a classic favorite. Keywords: Fancy Mac N Cheese, baked mac and cheese, gourmet mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese recipe, cheesy comfort food.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and add the cheddar cheese, gruyère cheese, parmesan cheese, dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the macaroni is fully coated with the sauce.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Calories |
4828 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 290.9 g | 373% | |
| Saturated Fat | 165.6 g | 828% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 837 mg | 279% | |
| Sodium | 6060 mg | 263% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 358.2 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.6 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.4 g | ||
| Protein | 183.3 g | 367% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.5 mcg | 43% | |
| Calcium | 3939 mg | 303% | |
| Iron | 18.6 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 1406 mg | 30% | |
*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.