Grandpa's Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in pure comfort with Grandpa's Macaroni and Cheese, a timeless family recipe that delivers a creamy, cheesy embrace in every bite. This classic dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety sauce made with a trio of cheeses—sharp Cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan—elevated by a touch of paprika for subtle warmth. A buttery panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, creating a delightful contrast to the rich and luscious interior. Baked to golden perfection in just under an hour, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. Whether served as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish, Grandpa's Macaroni and Cheese is comfort food at its best, sure to win over kids and adults alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (about 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 5 minutes).

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the surface.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. 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 topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2141.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6138.6

Total Fat 363.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 204.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 1031.8mg	0%
Sodium 7106.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 458.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 55.1g
Protein 247.6g	0%

Vitamin D 430.1IU	0%
Calcium 5400.9mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 1650.0mg	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: 53.7%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 30.1%