The Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with *The Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese*, a luxurious dish that elevates a classic favorite. This recipe combines tender, al dente elbow macaroni with a velvety, homemade three-cheese sauce crafted from sharp cheddar, nutty gruyère, and savory parmesan. The secret to its unmatched creaminess lies in the perfect balance of whole milk and heavy cream, enriched with a silky roux. Flavored with a touch of dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder, every bite is a symphony of cheesy goodness with a hint of depth and warmth. Ready in just 45 minutes, this rich and satisfying dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings. Garnish with a dash of paprika for a pop of color and flavor, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds. Perfect for cheese lovers, this recipe will leave you craving more!
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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
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
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 and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar cheese, gruyère cheese, and parmesan cheese, one handful at a time. Stir until each addition is fully melted and incorporated.
Mix in the dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
Serve immediately, garnishing with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
842 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.8 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.7 g | 149% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 146 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 854 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.9 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 33.9 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 747 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 323 mg | 7% | |
*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.
