Divine Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this *Divine Macaroni and Cheese* recipe, a luscious blend of creamy sharp cheddar, nutty gruyère, and tangy parmesan cheeses topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is enveloped in a silky homemade sauce made with whole milk and a touch of heavy cream, seasoned to perfection with a hint of paprika for a subtle smoky kick. Baked to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes, this dish serves up a warm, gooey, and satisfying meal that's ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings. With its rich flavor, indulgent texture, and irresistible crunch, this mac and cheese masterpiece will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. 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. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well-coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the panko breadcrumbs until coated. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm. Enjoy your Divine Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2341.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6163.5

Total Fat 366.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 216.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 1103.1mg	0%
Sodium 7164.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 465.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 66.8g
Protein 244.0g	0%

Vitamin D 527.4IU	0%
Calcium 5352.8mg	0%
Iron 22.4mg	0%
Potassium 1907.7mg	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: 53.8%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 30.3%