Hattie Jo's Homemade Macaroni

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Hattie Jo's Homemade Macaroni, a luscious take on classic baked mac and cheese. This recipe pairs tender, al dente elbow macaroni with a velvety three-cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan for a rich and balanced flavor profile. A golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping adds irresistible texture, while a hint of optional paprika provides a pop of color and spice. Crafted with a creamy roux base of milk and heavy cream, this dish is baked to perfection in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal dinner for cozy family gatherings or special occasions. Perfectly cheesy and delightfully hearty, this macaroni and cheese recipe is destined to become your go-to crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

Add the salt and black pepper to the cheese sauce, and adjust seasonings to your taste.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

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

Step 9

In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of the macaroni and cheese mixture.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Optional: Sprinkle a light dusting of paprika over the finished dish for added color and flavor.

Step 12

Allow the macaroni to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your rich, creamy homemade macaroni and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1999.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5514.5

Total Fat 307.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 175.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 891.8mg	0%
Sodium 6667.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 454.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.0g	0%
Total Sugars 55.2g
Protein 219.6g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4501.8mg	0%
Iron 22.5mg	0%
Potassium 1503.2mg	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: 50.7%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 33.2%