Super Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Super Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a velvety masterpiece brimming with rich, cheesy goodness. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luxurious sauce crafted from a blend of cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and cream cheese, creating an irresistibly smooth texture and bold flavor. A touch of paprika adds a subtle depth, while the optional crispy panko topping provides the perfect contrast in each bite. Whether served straight from the stovetop or baked to golden perfection, this easy yet decadent dish, ready in just 40 minutes, is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts, this homemade mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 350 grams elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 120 grams cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for breadcrumbs)
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 large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and smells slightly nutty.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
For a baked version (optional): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Serve hot and enjoy your super creamy macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4082 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 235.0 g | 301% | |
| Saturated Fat | 141.9 g | 710% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 729 mg | 243% | |
| Sodium | 2854 mg | 124% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 317.3 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.5 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.2 g | ||
| Protein | 153.3 g | 307% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.3 mcg | 46% | |
| Calcium | 3057 mg | 235% | |
| Iron | 14.2 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1496 mg | 32% | |
*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.
