Macaroni Goodness
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with "Macaroni Goodness," a creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe that takes classic comfort to a new level. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan, this dish is a cheese lover’s dream. A golden, crispy topping of panko bread crumbs mixed with olive oil adds the perfect crunch, while a hint of paprika infuses a subtle smoky depth. Ready in just 45 minutes, this crowd-pleasing casserole is simple to prepare and makes an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it warm for an irresistible dish that everyone will adore. Perfect for keywords like baked macaroni, creamy mac and cheese, and easy comfort food recipes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 350 grams elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large 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 to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your 'Macaroni Goodness'!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4589 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 236.1 g | 303% | |
| Saturated Fat | 126.8 g | 634% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 630 mg | 210% | |
| Sodium | 7080 mg | 308% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 410.0 g | 149% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.2 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.5 g | ||
| Protein | 213.4 g | 427% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 4740 mg | 365% | |
| Iron | 22.1 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 1721 mg | 37% | |
*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.
