Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, a decadent twist on the classic dish that's irresistibly rich and flavorful. Featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan, this dish gets its creamy texture from the perfect balance of whole milk and heavy cream. A hint of paprika and garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor, elevating every bite. Whether as a cozy weeknight dinner or a star side dish for special occasions, this quick 35-minute recipe is sure to impress. Serve it hot and creamy for the ultimate pasta experience that's bound to become a family favorite.
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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
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 0.25 tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the saucepan. Stir until the pasta is fully coated and the mixture is heated through.
Serve immediately for the creamiest result, garnished with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5167 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 291.9 g | 374% | |
| Saturated Fat | 173.7 g | 868% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 892 mg | 297% | |
| Sodium | 6328 mg | 275% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 409.7 g | 149% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.6 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.6 g | ||
| Protein | 211.9 g | 424% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 4484 mg | 345% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 1501 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.
