Kevin Mark's Macaroni for a Crowd

Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for comfort food on a grand scale, Kevin Mark's Macaroni for a Crowd is a cheesy, indulgent masterpiece designed to satisfy. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luxurious homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all brought together with a creamy blend of milk and heavy cream. Topped with optional crispy bread crumbs and baked to golden perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite with its rich, gooey texture and bold, comforting flavors. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and the ability to serve up to 12, it’s the ultimate go-to for feeding a hungry group. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or a casual gathering, this baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 pounds elbow macaroni
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 6 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups bread crumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

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 2

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish (9x13 inches or equivalent size) with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. The mixture should be smooth and golden.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously to ensure no lumps form. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, reserving about 1/2 cup of the sharp cheddar for topping. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 9

If using bread crumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the reserved cheese over the crumbs or directly on the macaroni if you skip the topping.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4813.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	12090.5

Total Fat 656.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 392.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 2026.2mg	0%
Sodium 14632.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1014.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.2g	0%
Total Sugars 144.7g
Protein 494.1g	0%

Vitamin D 1002.9IU	0%
Calcium 10652.5mg	0%
Iron 50.9mg	0%
Potassium 4329.9mg	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: 49.5%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 34.0%