Macaroni Heaven
Dive into creamy, cheesy indulgence with "Macaroni Heaven," the ultimate comfort food experience. This baked macaroni and cheese masterpiece combines tender elbow macaroni with a luxuriously rich cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and velvety cream cheese. Elevated with a touch of Dijon mustard, paprika, and garlic powder, every bite boasts a harmonious blend of flavors. Topped with golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs and a hint of fresh parsley, this dish balances creamy and crispy textures perfectly. Ready in just 45 minutes and easy to prepare, "Macaroni Heaven" is your go-to recipe for satisfying weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Perfect for cheese lovers, this recipe is guaranteed to impress the whole family!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 120 grams cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking continuously, to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until light golden in color.
Slowly add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Add the Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well to combine.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your Macaroni Heaven!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
958 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.5 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.8 g | 164% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 162 mg | 54% | |
| Sodium | 1126 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.9 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.2 g | ||
| Protein | 34.2 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 735 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 371 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.
