Macaroni and Cheese Rich and Creamy
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this 'Macaroni and Cheese Rich and Creamy' recipe, a luxurious twist on a beloved classic. Featuring a velvety sauce made from a trio of cheeses—sharp Cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan—this dish is packed with bold, cheesy flavors. The silky combination of whole milk and heavy cream ensures a lusciously smooth texture, while a hint of ground mustard adds a subtle tangy depth. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is coated in the decadent sauce, and for an optional finishing touch, bake it with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Easy to make in just 45 minutes, this rich and creamy macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleasing favorite, ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Ground mustard
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and ground mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheesy sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
If desired, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to bake for a crunchy topping. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve hot and enjoy your rich and creamy macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5448 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 297.9 g | 382% | |
| Saturated Fat | 168.6 g | 843% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 852 mg | 284% | |
| Sodium | 6246 mg | 272% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 474.3 g | 172% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.3 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 57.5 g | ||
| Protein | 205.4 g | 411% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 4102 mg | 316% | |
| Iron | 22.9 mg | 127% | |
| Potassium | 1598 mg | 34% | |
*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.
