Easy Homemade Tastin Macaroni and Cheese

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Homemade Tastin’ Macaroni and Cheese! Made with a creamy trifecta of sharp cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan cheeses, this recipe elevates traditional mac and cheese to gourmet status with its rich, velvety sauce. A hint of ground mustard and paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor, while optional panko breadcrumbs baked to golden perfection deliver a satisfying crunch. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple, familiar ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it straight from the stovetop for a classic creamy experience or bake it for that irresistible crispy topping—either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground mustard
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the cheddar cheese, Gouda cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika. Mix well to combine, and taste the sauce to adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold until all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

If adding breadcrumbs, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Toss the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Step 8

Serve the macaroni and cheese warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1516.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4417.1

Total Fat 285.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 167.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 822.6mg	0%
Sodium 6353.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 294.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 34.7g
Protein 159.5g	0%

Vitamin D 286.7IU	0%
Calcium 3502.0mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 1236.4mg	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: 58.6%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 26.9%