Grandma's Best Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Grandma’s Best Macaroni and Cheese, a creamy, cheesy classic that never fails to satisfy. This family-favorite recipe features perfectly al dente elbow macaroni coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with a trio of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Enhanced with a hint of ground mustard and paprika for depth of flavor, it’s lovingly baked to golden perfection under a buttery, crispy panko breadcrumb topping. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. Serve it fresh from the oven for a nostalgic bite of homemade goodness that everyone will adore!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp ground mustard
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, and parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is melted and smooth.

Step 6

Stir in the salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

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

Step 8

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

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy Grandma's best macaroni and cheese with your loved ones!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2231.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6448.5

Total Fat 389.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 232.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 1154.7mg	0%
Sodium 8028.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 460.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 55.2g
Protein 271.1g	0%

Vitamin D 442.1IU	0%
Calcium 5827.6mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 1702.0mg	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: 54.5%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 28.6%