Becka's Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Becka's Macaroni Cheese, a rich and creamy baked casserole that elevates a classic favorite. This recipe combines perfectly al dente elbow macaroni with a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan for a symphony of flavors. Seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of black pepper, every bite is bold and satisfying. Topped with golden panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch, this baked macaroni and cheese strikes the perfect balance of creamy and crispy. Ready in just 40 minutes and serving up to six, it's a fantastic choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for cheesy perfection. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness! Perfect keywords like "baked macaroni and cheese," "creamy cheese sauce," and "homemade comfort food" make this dish a standout for both SEO and your taste buds.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 g Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to stir and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1122.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4409.1

Total Fat 244.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 144.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 724.0mg	0%
Sodium 4688.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 377.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 16.2g
Protein 156.0g	0%

Vitamin D 72.0IU	0%
Calcium 2705.3mg	0%
Iron 20.0mg	0%
Potassium 403.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.7%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 34.9%