Bonnie's Mother's Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Bonnie's Mother's Macaroni and Cheese—a timeless, family-favorite recipe that brings rich, cheesy goodness to your table. This baked classic features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, with a hint of Dijon mustard and warming spices like paprika. A golden, buttery panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crisp finish, creating a contrast of creamy and crunchy textures in every bite. Ready in under an hour, this homemade macaroni and cheese is ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a hearty, cheesy dish. Serve it straight from the oven for a crowd-pleasing, comfort-filled experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for breadcrumbs)

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 large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2468.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6066.7

Total Fat 354.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 213.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 1102.7mg	0%
Sodium 7481.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 445.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.7g	0%
Total Sugars 73.7g
Protein 284.1g	0%

Vitamin D 587.4IU	0%
Calcium 6842.2mg	0%
Iron 22.3mg	0%
Potassium 2504.5mg	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: 52.3%

Protein: 18.6%

Carbs: 29.1%