Macaroni and Cheese for Mom and Dad
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "Macaroni and Cheese for Mom and Dad," a grown-up twist on the classic favorite. This creamy, baked delight combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich and velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, perfectly balanced with a hint of Dijon mustard and spices. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs, this dish offers the perfect blend of indulgence and texture. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's ideal for a cozy dinner for two and pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a glass of wine. Whether you're treating your parents or treating yourself, this baked mac and cheese is a sure hit for any comfort food craving.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 grams elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the cheese sauce. Mix well to combine.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold to coat all the pasta evenly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting macaroni and cheese with Mom and Dad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2605 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 152.4 g | 195% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.0 g | 415% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 416 mg | 139% | |
| Sodium | 2938 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 206.5 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.6 g | ||
| Protein | 94.0 g | 188% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.9 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 1921 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 752 mg | 16% | |
*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.
