Carolyn's Easy Cheesy Macaroni Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Carolyn's Easy Cheesy Macaroni Cheese! This creamy, rich recipe takes mac and cheese to new heights with a velvety blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Featuring a quick, foolproof roux-based cheese sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, this dish is ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. For an added touch, finish it under the broiler with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping enhanced with a drizzle of olive oil. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this indulgent, flavor-packed recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and buttery crunch!
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Ingredients
- 225 grams elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 480 milliliters whole milk
- 120 milliliters heavy cream
- 200 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 60 grams breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for topping)
Directions
Step 1
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 2
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
Step 3
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese in batches, allowing each batch to fully melt before adding the next.
Step 5
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6
Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until thoroughly coated.
Step 7
If desired, transfer the macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top. Place the dish under a preheated broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Step 8
Serve immediately and enjoy Carolyn's Easy Cheesy Macaroni Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1327.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3523.2 |
| Total Fat 204.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 120.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol 615.3mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5788.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 267.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 38.1g | |
| Protein 149.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 260.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3364.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1187.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories