Simply a Great Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in pure comfort with "Simply a Great Macaroni and Cheese," a velvety, crowd-pleasing classic that elevates every bite with its rich blend of sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and savory Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe pairs al dente elbow macaroni with a silky, homemade cheese sauce bolstered by the warmth of garlic powder and ground mustard. A touch of heavy cream adds luxurious depth, while paprika provides an optional burst of color for a final flourish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy yet decadent dish is a must-try for comfort food enthusiasts craving the ultimate in creamy pasta perfection. Ideal for keywords like "classic macaroni and cheese," "homemade mac and cheese," and "creamy pasta recipes."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp ground mustard powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a paste and starts to bubble (do not let it brown).
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
Add ground mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is fully coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle with paprika for a touch of color.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5919 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 335.7 g | 430% | |
| Saturated Fat | 201.8 g | 1009% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1010 mg | 337% | |
| Sodium | 8588 mg | 373% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 427.6 g | 155% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.3 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.2 g | ||
| Protein | 273.6 g | 547% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.4 mcg | 47% | |
| Calcium | 6288 mg | 484% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 1780 mg | 38% | |
*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.
