Comforting Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this rich and indulgent Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Made with tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety sauce featuring a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, and tangy Parmesan—this dish is pure decadence in every bite. A perfectly crisp panko breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to contrast the creamy interior, while subtle hints of paprika and black pepper enhance the flavor profile. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-follow baked mac and cheese is perfect as a hearty main course or a comforting side dish for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. Treat yourself to this classic recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it 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. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan cheeses one handful at a time, allowing each to fully melt before adding the next. Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1902.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5149.9

Total Fat 317.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 179.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 902.6mg	0%
Sodium 6864.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 365.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 51.1g
Protein 201.2g	0%

Vitamin D 322.1IU	0%
Calcium 4292.4mg	0%
Iron 16.1mg	0%
Potassium 1175.0mg	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: 55.8%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 28.5%