Special Everyday Mac and Cheese
Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy, this Special Everyday Mac and Cheese recipe is your go-to for a delicious homemade meal that's anything but ordinary. Featuring tender al dente elbow macaroni smothered in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is elevated with hints of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder for a subtle gourmet twist. A golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect finishing touch, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile baked mac and cheese is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy family gatherings, or any time you crave comfort food at its finest.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix until well incorporated.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased, oven-safe baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Place the baking dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your Special Everyday Mac and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2788 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 215.1 g | 276% | |
| Saturated Fat | 132.8 g | 664% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 652 mg | 217% | |
| Sodium | 4996 mg | 217% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 86.0 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.2 g | ||
| Protein | 128.7 g | 257% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.9 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 3694 mg | 284% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 1350 mg | 29% | |
*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.
