Really Awesome Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Really Awesome Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Featuring a dreamy blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish delivers rich, creamy layers of flavor in every bite. A velvety cheese sauce made with whole milk and heavy cream enrobes tender elbow macaroni, while a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. Seasoned with garlic powder, mustard powder, and a hint of paprika, this baked macaroni and cheese is elevated from classic to truly unforgettable. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Treat yourself to this irresistible cheesy masterpiece today!
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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 Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dry mustard powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted for topping)
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°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 package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, 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. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat all the pasta evenly.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
913 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.1 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.6 g | 153% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 147 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 1013 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 83.1 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.9 g | ||
| Protein | 33.0 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 649 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 306 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.
