Grandma Sugar's Shell Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy comfort of Grandma Sugar's Shell Macaroni and Cheese, a timeless family favorite that's perfect for any occasion! This baked mac and cheese recipe elevates the classic dish with tender shell pasta drenched in a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar, nutty gruyere, and tangy parmesan. Enhanced with a hint of Dijon mustard, paprika, and garlic powder, every bite bursts with flavor. Finished with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures. Ready in just 50 minutes, this baked macaroni and cheese is ideal as a decadent side dish or a hearty main course. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe is sure to become a new family tradition!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz medium shell pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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 shell pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 6

Add the cooked shell pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil, stirring to coat. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly 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 and crispy.

Step 10

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy Grandma Sugar's comforting shell macaroni and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2068.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5598.8

Total Fat 312.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 178.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 891.8mg	0%
Sodium 7352.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 479.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.4g	0%
Total Sugars 59.7g
Protein 219.9g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4793.4mg	0%
Iron 15.3mg	0%
Potassium 2758.1mg	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: 50.1%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 34.2%