Classic Creamy Mac & Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Classic Creamy Mac & Cheese—a rich, velvety dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. This recipe pairs tender macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and gruyere for the perfect balance of tangy and nutty flavors. Topped with a golden, crispy layer of parmesan-enriched breadcrumbs, it’s a true crowd-pleaser with texture and depth. Featuring a simple stovetop-to-oven method and ready in under an hour, this baked mac and cheese delivers the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave. Serve it piping hot, and watch it disappear from plates! Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or whenever comfort food calls, this recipe is a timeless classic you’ll come back to again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams macaroni pasta
• 60 grams unsalted butter
• 60 grams all-purpose flour
• 950 milliliters milk
• 240 milliliters heavy cream
• 280 grams sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 140 grams gruyere cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• 60 grams breadcrumbs
• 30 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a roux with a paste-like texture.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5-6 minutes.

Step 5

Turn the heat to low and gradually add the sharp cheddar and gruyere cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure the pasta is well-coated.

Step 8

Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the oil.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Step 13

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2321.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5798.9

Total Fat 321.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 187.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 915.6mg	0%
Sodium 7132.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 490.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.7g	0%
Total Sugars 65.8g
Protein 230.3g	0%

Vitamin D 499.5IU	0%
Calcium 5108.6mg	0%
Iron 14.6mg	0%
Potassium 3050.2mg	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: 50.1%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 34.0%