Giada's Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in pure comfort with Giada's Macaroni and Cheese, a gourmet twist on the classic baked dish that’s as rich and satisfying as it gets. Featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with Fontina, white cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella, this recipe takes mac and cheese to the next level. A touch of freshly grated nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, while a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping delivers the perfect contrast to the creamy interior. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a stunning finish your family will adore. Perfect for lovers of baked pasta and classic comfort food, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Fontina cheese, shredded
• 1 cup White cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1.5 cups Breadcrumbs, preferably panko
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste (this is your roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly; it should thicken into a creamy sauce.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Fontina, white cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly moistened. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2452.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6431.2

Total Fat 356.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 200.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 969.1mg	0%
Sodium 8107.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 533.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.3g	0%
Total Sugars 69.8g
Protein 254.1g	0%

Vitamin D 501.4IU	0%
Calcium 5365.5mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 2049.9mg	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: 50.5%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 33.5%