Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese, a classic baked dish that’s elevated with rich layers of flavor. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère, perfectly spiced with Dijon mustard, paprika, and black pepper. Topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, this hearty casserole is baked to bubbling perfection, offering the ideal balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe will have your guests coming back for more. Master the art of homemade macaroni and cheese with this timeless, crowd-pleasing dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Add the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let the mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
910 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.3 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.2 g | 171% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 166 mg | 55% | |
| Sodium | 1108 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.7 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 34.2 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 772 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 339 mg | 7% | |
*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.
