Grandma's Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in the creamy, nostalgic comfort of Grandma’s Macaroni Cheese, a baked pasta classic that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luxurious, homemade cheese sauce crafted from sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan for a rich, velvety texture. A touch of Dijon mustard and paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor, while a golden, crunchy topping of panko bread crumbs brings satisfying contrast. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is a true labor of love, baked to bubbly perfection and served straight from the oven. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for the ultimate comfort food, Grandma’s Macaroni Cheese is bound to become a beloved favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams Elbow macaroni
• 60 grams Unsalted butter
• 40 grams All-purpose flour
• 700 milliliters Whole milk
• 250 milliliters Heavy cream
• 300 grams Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 150 grams Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 120 grams Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Mix in the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, toss the panko bread crumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy Grandma’s delicious macaroni cheese with family and friends!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2179.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6228.3

Total Fat 349.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 198.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 1001.6mg	0%
Sodium 7801.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 506.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.4g	0%
Total Sugars 51.0g
Protein 247.5g	0%

Vitamin D 414.1IU	0%
Calcium 5293.4mg	0%
Iron 26.7mg	0%
Potassium 1728.0mg	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: 51.0%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 32.9%