Cheryl's Comforting Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Cheryl's Comforting Macaroni and Cheese, the perfect blend of rich, creamy flavor and irresistible texture. This baked mac and cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety sauce made from a trio of cheeses: sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty parmesan. The secret lies in a perfectly crafted roux, thickened with whole milk and a touch of heavy cream for a luscious finish. Topped with golden breadcrumbs for a crispy crunch, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 45 minutes. Serve it as a hearty main or a satisfying side dish at your next family gathering—each bite is pure cheesy bliss!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 454 grams elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 6
Add the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses to the sauce, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
Step 7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, making sure every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
Step 8
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour in the macaroni and cheese mixture. Flatten the top with a spoon or spatula.
Step 9
If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added texture.
Step 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 11
Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy masterpiece!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2202.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 6031.5 |
| Total Fat 340.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 203.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g | |
| Cholesterol 1075.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 8240.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 456.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 58.9g | |
| Protein 261.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 403.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 5833.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 23.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1763.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories