Gourmet Girl's Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with *Gourmet Girl’s Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese*, a rich and elevated twist on a classic favorite. This creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe features a luxurious blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, tangy Parmesan, and velvety cream cheese, all brought together with a hint of Dijon mustard and smoked paprika for a gourmet flair. Topped with golden panko breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch, this dish delivers a luscious, multi-layered flavor that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this baked macaroni masterpiece comes together in under an hour and is sure to impress with its creamy texture and crispy topping. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color, and prepare to savor every bite of this decadent crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons 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 according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden and fragrant.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2792.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7851.0

Total Fat 508.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 288.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 1468.7mg	0%
Sodium 7323.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 508.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.3g	0%
Total Sugars 72.9g
Protein 300.5g	0%

Vitamin D 549.4IU	0%
Calcium 6820.3mg	0%
Iron 26.2mg	0%
Potassium 2240.7mg	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: 58.6%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 26.0%