Dad's Macaroni and Cheese

Get ready to experience ultimate comfort food with Dad's Macaroni and Cheese, a rich and creamy baked classic that embodies homemade goodness. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a decadent, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, perfectly balanced with a touch of Dijon mustard and a sprinkle of paprika for a subtle kick. Topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs, this dish bakes to bubbly perfection, delivering a crisp, irresistible crust. Ready in under an hour, this family favorite is ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you're craving hearty, cheesy perfection.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni 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 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and creamy.

Step 6

Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 9

In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 10

Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

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

Step 12

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1618.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4169.5

Total Fat 223.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 132.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 671.8mg	0%
Sodium 6024.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 361.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 51.1g
Protein 186.9g	0%

Vitamin D 408.1IU	0%
Calcium 4066.9mg	0%
Iron 17.9mg	0%
Potassium 1500.8mg	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: 47.9%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 34.4%