Emeril's Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of Emeril's Mac and Cheese, a gourmet twist on the classic comfort food. This indulgent baked pasta dish features a velvety cheese sauce made with a trio of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, combined with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. A golden, crispy topping of buttery panko breadcrumbs adds irresistible texture, while a hint of cayenne and paprika elevates the flavor profile for a subtle kick. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks, this ultimate mac and cheese recipe comes together in just under an hour and serves up to eight. With its indulgent ingredients and rich, baked perfection, Emeril's Mac and Cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and your new favorite side dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and 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 to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.

Step 7

Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese to create an even topping.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2597.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7073.2

Total Fat 457.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 260.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 1283.1mg	0%
Sodium 6802.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 473.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.4g	0%
Total Sugars 66.9g
Protein 235.8g	0%

Vitamin D 525.4IU	0%
Calcium 4887.8mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 1992.7mg	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: 59.2%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 27.2%