Dan's Favorite Mac and Cheese

Indulge in ultimate comfort food bliss with Dan's Favorite Mac and Cheese, a rich and creamy baked classic that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds! This recipe features tender elbow macaroni coated in a luxurious sauce made from a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan—enhanced with a hint of Dijon mustard and warming spices like paprika. Finished with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb topping, this dish combines velvety smoothness with irresistible crunch in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight treat, Dan's Favorite Mac and Cheese is the go-to recipe for mac and cheese lovers craving top-tier flavor and texture. Ready in just over an hour, it’s a crowd-pleasing masterpiece you won’t want to miss!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 8

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine it with the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy Dan's Favorite Mac and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2454.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6633.3

Total Fat 414.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 232.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 1183.1mg	0%
Sodium 7663.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 449.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.4g	0%
Total Sugars 65.1g
Protein 268.2g	0%

Vitamin D 549.4IU	0%
Calcium 6238.1mg	0%
Iron 22.5mg	0%
Potassium 2062.0mg	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: 56.5%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 27.3%