Granny Mac's Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Granny Mac's Mac and Cheese, a rich and creamy baked masterpiece that's brimming with flavor and nostalgia. This crowd-pleasing recipe combines tender al dente elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, colby jack, parmesan, and cream cheese, elevated with a hint of garlic and ground mustard powder. Topped with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs and a touch of smoky paprika, this baked mac and cheese recipe promises a perfect balance of creamy depth and crisp texture in every bite. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, this timeless dish is sure to win hearts and satisfy cravings.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups colby jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for breadcrumbs)
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking to combine. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, colby jack, parmesan, and cream cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the ground mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir to incorporate.

Step 7

Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

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

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2531.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6804.6

Total Fat 412.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 243.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 1258.0mg	0%
Sodium 9122.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 502.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.2g	0%
Total Sugars 72.9g
Protein 263.7g	0%

Vitamin D 525.4IU	0%
Calcium 5466.7mg	0%
Iron 25.5mg	0%
Potassium 2113.1mg	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: 54.8%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 29.6%