Iyanla's Divine Mac and Cheese

Indulge in pure comfort with **Iyanla’s Divine Mac and Cheese**, the ultimate creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that takes traditional mac and cheese to heavenly heights. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce made from a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan—infused with the warm flavors of smoked paprika and a hint of ground mustard. Topped with a golden, crispy panko crust, this oven-baked masterpiece delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy in every bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or potlucks, this rich, soul-soothing casserole is quick to prep and feeds a crowd. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle it with chopped parsley before serving. Whether you're indulging solo or sharing with loved ones, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to delight. Keywords: creamy mac and cheese recipe, baked mac and cheese, three-cheese macaroni, comfort food casserole.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to the package instructions. 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 create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses one handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt fully before adding the next.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with smoked paprika, ground mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, making sure all the pasta is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2387.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6294.8

Total Fat 371.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 208.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 1061.1mg	0%
Sodium 5431.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 470.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.0g	0%
Total Sugars 67.1g
Protein 255.9g	0%

Vitamin D 537.4IU	0%
Calcium 5710.2mg	0%
Iron 23.9mg	0%
Potassium 2081.8mg	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: 53.5%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 30.1%