Fall to Your Knees Macaroni and Cheese

Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "Fall to Your Knees Macaroni and Cheese," a velvety, ultra-rich baked pasta dish that's as decadent as it sounds. This gourmet take on a classic features a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, creamy gruyere, tangy parmesan, and buttery colby jack cheeses, melted to perfection and bolstered by cream cheese for an irresistibly smooth texture. A pinch of Dijon mustard and warm spices like garlic powder and paprika enhance every bite with subtle, savory notes. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs, each forkful offers a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy interior. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or when you simply crave a next-level mac and cheese experience, this dish will have everyone diving in for seconds. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a bubbling finish in the oven, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that earns its name!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons 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, shredded
• 1 cup colby jack cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth roux forms.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Continue cooking and whisking for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, and colby jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 6

Add the cream cheese cubes, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove the sauce from heat.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing gently to coat every noodle.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese to form a topping.

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 for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2386.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6907.4

Total Fat 429.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 245.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 1286.7mg	0%
Sodium 8556.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 474.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.9g	0%
Total Sugars 64.2g
Protein 270.0g	0%

Vitamin D 442.1IU	0%
Calcium 6003.0mg	0%
Iron 25.0mg	0%
Potassium 1949.9mg	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: 15.8%

Carbs: 27.7%