Lil Twist on Macaroni and Cheese
Take your comfort food game to the next level with this "Lil Twist on Macaroni and Cheese," a decadently creamy and cheesy bake infused with rich flavors and a delightful crunch. This upgraded classic combines sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and tangy cream cheese for a velvety sauce enhanced with Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for an unexpected depth of flavor. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs tossed in olive oil and parmesan, this dish bakes to golden perfection in just 25 minutes. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this recipe serves six and is ready in under an hour. Say goodbye to the boxed version—this homemade macaroni and cheese is sure to become your new favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly add the milk to the roux while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses to the sauce, stirring after each addition until melted and creamy.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to coat the macaroni evenly.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Lil Twist on Macaroni and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
760 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.3 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.9 g | 119% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 116 mg | 39% | |
| Sodium | 1216 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.4 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.1 g | ||
| Protein | 30.7 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 659 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 348 mg | 7% | |
*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.
