Country Style Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Country Style Macaroni and Cheese recipe takes a classic favorite to the next level. Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luxurious blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Colby Jack cheese, this dish is topped with crisp, golden breadcrumbs infused with Parmesan for the perfect crunch. A touch of paprika and black pepper enhance the rich and velvety cheese sauce, made from a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this baked macaroni and cheese is an easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s ready in just 45 minutes. Pair it with your favorite green salad or serve it as a decadent main course—this recipe guarantees smiles around the table!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• 1 cup Fresh breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the raw taste out of the flour.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken (about 4-5 minutes).

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and Colby Jack cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth after each addition.

Step 6

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste the cheese sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil or melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 9

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Country Style Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2134.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6009.0

Total Fat 345.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 191.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 951.8mg	0%
Sodium 7711.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 498.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.2g	0%
Total Sugars 60.7g
Protein 225.5g	0%

Vitamin D 418.1IU	0%
Calcium 4599.9mg	0%
Iron 28.0mg	0%
Potassium 1975.0mg	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: 51.8%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 33.2%