Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, this Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe captures the ultimate comfort food experience with a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce and golden, crunchy panko topping. Made with simple pantry staples like elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, milk, and butter, this baked mac and cheese elevates a classic dish with the bold flavors of dry mustard, paprika, and a buttery breadcrumb crust. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or holiday side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you're looking to recreate a restaurant favorite or indulge in a cozy, homemade treat, this recipe delivers pure cheesy bliss with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups milk
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2.5 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dry mustard powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 0.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, for topping
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture starts to thicken.

Step 5

Stir in the mustard powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth after each addition.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Top with an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1112.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3290.0

Total Fat 205.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 118.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 576.9mg	0%
Sodium 3341.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 237.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.5g	0%
Total Sugars 28.0g
Protein 121.4g	0%

Vitamin D 221.0IU	0%
Calcium 2495.4mg	0%
Iron 12.6mg	0%
Potassium 938.5mg	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: 56.3%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 29.0%