Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe, a gourmet twist on the ultimate comfort food. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from a trio of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan. Enhanced with a hint of ground mustard, paprika, and just the right seasoning, this dish achieves a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of elegance, it's baked to bubbling perfection. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting main or a standout side, this elevated mac and cheese will leave your guests craving seconds. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, ground mustard powder, and paprika. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil and the remaining tablespoon of melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. If using, sprinkle the fresh parsley on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1057 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.3 g | 79% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.8 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 178 mg | 59% | |
| Sodium | 1393 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 83.7 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.6 g | ||
| Protein | 42.1 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 946 mg | 73% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 436 mg | 9% | |
*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.
