Oh So Rich Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this "Oh So Rich Baked Macaroni and Cheese" recipe, a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that's destined to become a dinner favorite. Featuring tender, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety sauce made with sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish truly lives up to its name. Enhanced with a hint of Dijon mustard and fragrant seasonings like garlic and onion powder, every bite is bold and flavorful. The crowning glory? A golden, buttery panko breadcrumb topping that adds irresistible crunch to every serving. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or as a show-stopping holiday side, this baked macaroni and cheese is easy to prepare in just under an hour. Treat yourself to this dish that's as satisfying as it is decadent!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)
- 0.5 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (approximately 5-7 minutes).
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Remove the cheese sauce from the heat and stir in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni, distributing it evenly.
Optionally, sprinkle paprika over the breadcrumbs for a touch of color and flavor.
Bake the macaroni and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your 'Oh So Rich Baked Macaroni and Cheese'!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6105 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 366.5 g | 470% | |
| Saturated Fat | 219.7 g | 1098% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1080 mg | 360% | |
| Sodium | 6849 mg | 298% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 464.4 g | 169% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.8 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.0 g | ||
| Protein | 233.0 g | 466% | |
| Vitamin D | 12.1 mcg | 60% | |
| Calcium | 4815 mg | 370% | |
| Iron | 23.4 mg | 130% | |
| Potassium | 1552 mg | 33% | |
*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.
