Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with our 'Geez Good Macaroni and Cheese'! This decadent baked mac and cheese features creamy layers of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan, perfectly melted into a velvety sauce enriched with whole milk and heavy cream. A hint of Dijon mustard and garlic powder elevates the flavor profile, while the golden, crispy Panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast. Ready in just 40 minutes, this cheesy masterpiece is perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any time youβre craving a hearty, soul-satisfying dish. Serve it warm and watch as it becomes an instant favorite!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until the mixture forms a smooth paste (a roux).
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and combined.
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
5905 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 346.6 g | 444% | |
| Saturated Fat | 194.0 g | 970% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 972 mg | 324% | |
| Sodium | 6822 mg | 297% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 452.9 g | 165% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.0 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.1 g | ||
| Protein | 231.0 g | 462% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.5 mcg | 52% | |
| Calcium | 4861 mg | 374% | |
| Iron | 22.7 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 1602 mg | 34% | |
*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.