Rich N Cheesy Macaroni
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Rich N Cheesy Macaroni recipe—a luscious, creamy blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses that takes classic mac and cheese to new heights. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is smothered in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce crafted from a buttery roux, whole milk, and a touch of heavy cream for extra richness. Optional crunchy breadcrumbs add a golden baked topping, while a hint of paprika lends a subtle pop of flavor and color. Ready in under an hour and ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this irresistibly cheesy dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it piping hot and savor pure comfort in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
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-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes while whisking constantly, ensuring there are no lumps.
Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and grated Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly.
Optional: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve hot, garnished with a light sprinkle of paprika if desired. Enjoy your Rich N Cheesy Macaroni!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.5 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.4 g | 177% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 157 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 1411 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 80.9 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.1 g | ||
| Protein | 45.9 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.9 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 1044 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 410 mg | 9% | |
*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.
