Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and decadent Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luscious combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere cheese, creating a velvety sauce enriched with whole milk and heavy cream. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for a satisfyingly crispy finish, this baked macaroni and cheese strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy. Seasoned with a hint of paprika for added depth, it’s an irresistible dish that’s ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a golden, bubbly bake, this homestyle classic is guaranteed to please every cheese lover at the table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat evenly.
Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homestyle comfort dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
962 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.4 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.0 g | 165% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 163 mg | 54% | |
| Sodium | 1030 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.6 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 35.5 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 750 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 358 mg | 8% | |
*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.
