Can't Stop Eating It Scrumptious Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our "Can't Stop Eating It Scrumptious Macaroni and Cheese" recipe—a decadent, baked dish that elevates traditional mac and cheese to gourmet status. Featuring a luxurious blend of sharp cheddar, creamy gruyere, and nutty parmesan cheeses, this classic is brought to life with a velvety roux-based cheese sauce, perfectly al dente elbow macaroni, and a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping that’s irresistible. Seasoned with hints of ground mustard and paprika for depth, this crowd-pleasing recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Serve it straight from the oven for that bubbling, cheesy perfection, and don’t forget the optional garnish of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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 according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheese a handful at a time. Stir until all the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

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

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate macaroni and cheese experience!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2469.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6542.4

Total Fat 387.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 224.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 1161.1mg	0%
Sodium 8279.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 469.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 66.9g
Protein 287.6g	0%

Vitamin D 549.4IU	0%
Calcium 6684.0mg	0%
Iron 23.6mg	0%
Potassium 2062.2mg	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: 53.5%

Protein: 17.7%

Carbs: 28.8%