Kittencal's Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Dive into ultimate comfort food bliss with Kittencal's Creamy Macaroni and Cheese, a rich and indulgent twist on the classic baked pasta dish. Tender elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of Dijon mustard for a pop of tangy flavor. Enhanced by fragrant garlic and onion powders and a touch of paprika, each bite offers a perfectly balanced taste. Topped with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch, this dish effortlessly blends creamy and crispy textures. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this baked macaroni and cheese is ready in just 45 minutes and sure to become a favorite go-to recipe. Don't wait to experience the ultimate combination of comfort and flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir to combine, ensuring all the pasta is coated in the sauce.

Step 8

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

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2020.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5615.7

Total Fat 316.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 190.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 962.3mg	0%
Sodium 6992.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 458.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.8g	0%
Total Sugars 55.4g
Protein 216.1g	0%

Vitamin D 421.3IU	0%
Calcium 4240.5mg	0%
Iron 22.7mg	0%
Potassium 1585.2mg	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: 51.3%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 33.1%