The Best Ever Mac Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "The Best Ever Mac & Cheese," a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s guaranteed to impress! This decadent recipe combines three luxurious cheeses—sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan—for a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly clings to tender elbow macaroni. A golden, crunchy topping of buttery panko breadcrumbs with a hint of paprika adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this baked mac and cheese is ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re craving pure comfort. Whether served as a side dish or the main attraction, this recipe delivers creamy, baked perfection in every bite. Perfect for those searching for the best homemade mac and cheese recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp paprika
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. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses one handful at a time, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and paprika, stirring continuously until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Best Ever Mac & Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
961 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.2 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.9 g | 155% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 148 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 1092 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.3 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 35.8 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 763 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 353 mg | 8% | |
*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.
