Grandma's Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in pure comfort with Grandma's Macaroni and Cheese, a nostalgic dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden. This timeless recipe starts with tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luscious three-cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and parmesan for the perfect balance of richness and flavor. A crispy panko breadcrumb topping, lightly toasted in olive oil or butter, adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. Seasoned with a hint of mustard powder and a dash of optional paprika for a subtle kick, this baked mac and cheese is ready to shine as the ultimate family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, this decadent casserole-style dish is easy to prepare in under an hour and serves up to 8. Your new go-to comfort food is just a casserole away!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute, until the mixture turns a light golden color.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and parmesan cheese. Add the salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.

Step 7

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

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1975.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5478.4

Total Fat 309.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 169.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 851.8mg	0%
Sodium 5987.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 454.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.1g	0%
Total Sugars 55.4g
Protein 204.3g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4071.3mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 1533.6mg	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: 51.4%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 33.6%