Grandma's Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Grandma's Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a timeless classic that's creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly crunchy on top. This homemade recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, all brought together with a hint of paprika for depth of flavor. Topped with buttery golden breadcrumbs and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish strikes the perfect balance of gooey and crisp. Whether you're serving it as a hearty side or a star-worthy main, this baked macaroni and cheese is sure to bring smiles to the table with its nostalgia-inducing flavors and made-from-scratch goodness. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights, or holiday feasts, it's a recipe you'll cherish for years to come.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. 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, to make a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses to the sauce, reserving 1/2 cup of cheddar for the topping. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Top with the reserved cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy Grandma's Baked Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2196.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6193.4

Total Fat 348.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 195.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 983.8mg	0%
Sodium 8314.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 507.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.5g	0%
Total Sugars 62.1g
Protein 243.6g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 5016.9mg	0%
Iron 26.7mg	0%
Potassium 1663.1mg	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: 51.1%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 33.0%