Ellie's Macaroni and Cheese

Elevate your comfort food game with Ellie's Macaroni and Cheese, a creamy, cheesy delight that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luxurious homemade cheese sauce made from a trio of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan for a bold, velvety flavor. Topped with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs, it's baked to bubbly perfection in just 30 minutes. With the addition of whole milk, heavy cream, and a hint of optional paprika for flair, this dish strikes the ideal balance of richness and indulgence. A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly satisfying, Ellie's Macaroni and Cheese is your new go-to baked pasta recipe that pairs comfort with a touch of elegance.

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

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
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade Ellie S Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1161.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4673.1

Total Fat 291.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 174.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 866.0mg	0%
Sodium 6390.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 327.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.8g	0%
Total Sugars 15.9g
Protein 178.9g	0%

Vitamin D 72.0IU	0%
Calcium 3606.2mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 403.0mg	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: 56.4%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 28.2%