Mac Daddy Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mac Daddy Mac and Cheese, a decadently cheesy and irresistibly creamy masterpiece that's perfect for any occasion. This crowd-pleasing dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious sauce made from a mouthwatering blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and cream cheese, elevated with Dijon mustard and a hint of garlic and onion powder for a flavor-packed punch. Topped with buttery, crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, this recipe delivers the ideal balance of creaminess and crunch. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and serving up to six hearty portions, this mac and cheese is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or potluck gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color, and prepare to savor the ultimate comfort food upgrade!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (for breadcrumbs)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. 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 breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
981 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.5 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.5 g | 172% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 170 mg | 57% | |
| Sodium | 1106 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.6 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 34.5 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 712 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 368 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.
