Super Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Super Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a creamy, oven-baked delight that’s loaded with rich, gooey flavor. Featuring a decadent blend of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses, this dish offers a silky cheese sauce infused with just the right touch of spices like ground mustard and black pepper for a flavor-packed bite. Topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs and a hint of optional paprika, this baked macaroni and cheese delivers a satisfying crunch to complement its velvety interior. Perfect as a savory side dish or a hearty main course, this easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 45 minutes and serves six, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams macaroni pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons ground mustard
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to the 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 to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring regularly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shredded cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses in small handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and ground mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leveling it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Optional: Lightly sprinkle paprika on top for color and added flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling at the edges.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your Super Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5225 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 283.3 g | 363% | |
| Saturated Fat | 159.0 g | 795% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 808 mg | 269% | |
| Sodium | 6045 mg | 263% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 448.4 g | 163% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.6 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.9 g | ||
| Protein | 208.9 g | 418% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.5 mcg | 52% | |
| Calcium | 4494 mg | 346% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 2603 mg | 55% | |
*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.
