Mac N Cheese and a Bit More
Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with "Mac N Cheese and a Bit More," a decadent twist on the classic dish that's loaded with layers of flavor and texture. This irresistible recipe starts with creamy elbow macaroni coated in a luscious three-cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella, seasoned with smoked paprika and mustard powder for a subtle kick. But the magic doesn’t stop there! It’s topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a buttery, golden panko breadcrumb topping for the perfect crunch. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or treating your family to a cozy weeknight indulgence, this baked mac and cheese masterpiece is sure to become a crowd favorite. Perfect as a standalone meal or the star of your holiday table, this recipe combines comfort and sophistication in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons ground mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 6 slices bacon (crispy and crumbled)
- 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Add the smoked paprika, ground mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until thoroughly coated.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Top the mac and cheese with the caramelized onions and crumbled bacon.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your elevated Mac N Cheese and a Bit More!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
907 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.2 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.5 g | 158% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 150 mg | 50% | |
| Sodium | 1380 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.1 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.2 g | ||
| Protein | 36.1 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 710 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 385 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.
