Jackie's Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, rich, and irresistibly cheesy, Jackie's Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist! This indulgent recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan, all infused with a hint of ground mustard, garlic powder, and smoky paprika. Topped with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this oven-baked dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a feel-good crowd-pleaser. Ready in just under an hour, this make-ahead-friendly macaroni and cheese is every bit as creamy as it is crave-worthy—don’t forget the optional fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flair!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to bubble and thickens, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the ground mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and the olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2219.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6450.8

Total Fat 391.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 225.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 1153.8mg	0%
Sodium 7513.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 461.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.9g	0%
Total Sugars 55.3g
Protein 264.5g	0%

Vitamin D 442.1IU	0%
Calcium 5959.3mg	0%
Iron 23.8mg	0%
Potassium 1747.3mg	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: 54.9%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 28.7%