Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a perfect blend of rich flavors and velvety textures. Made with tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luscious cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Gruyère, this dish is elevated with the subtle warmth of ground mustard and paprika. Topped with a crisp, golden layer of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, this baked mac and cheese strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy. Ideal as a satisfying main course or a decadent side, this easy-to-follow recipe comes together in just under an hour and serves six, making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams elbow macaroni
• 60 grams butter
• 60 grams all-purpose flour
• 720 milliliters whole milk
• 240 milliliters heavy cream
• 250 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 150 grams Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 60 grams panko breadcrumbs
• 30 grams parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3

Drain the macaroni and set aside.

Step 4

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 5

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, ensuring it doesn't brown.

Step 6

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to stir for about 6-8 minutes until it thickens.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until completely melted.

Step 9

Add salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika to the sauce.

Step 10

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, making sure all the pasta is well coated.

Step 11

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 12

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.

Step 13

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 14

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

Step 15

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2002.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5422.5

Total Fat 300.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 175.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.3g
Cholesterol 928.7mg	0%
Sodium 6633.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 445.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.8g	0%
Total Sugars 54.9g
Protein 214.4g	0%

Vitamin D 422.0IU	0%
Calcium 4525.9mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 1608.8mg	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: 50.6%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 33.3%