Ida's Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Discover ultimate comfort in every bite with Ida's Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a rich and creamy twist on the classic favorite. This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, creating layers of bold, gooey flavor. The golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping, lightly seasoned with paprika, adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick bake, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or holiday feasts. Whether you're craving a cozy meal or a side dish that'll steal the spotlight, Ida's Baked Macaroni and Cheese is guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, but 1-2 minutes less for very al dente pasta. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 7

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well to coat evenly. Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and paprika until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 11

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2264.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6579.4

Total Fat 389.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 225.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 1147.1mg	0%
Sodium 7517.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 464.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 55.2g
Protein 293.2g	0%

Vitamin D 442.1IU	0%
Calcium 6654.2mg	0%
Iron 23.7mg	0%
Potassium 1834.8mg	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: 53.6%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 28.4%