Leeandra's Infamous Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with *Leeandra's Infamous Macaroni and Cheese*, a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that has become legendary for a reason. This recipe takes classic mac and cheese to new heights with a luxurious trio of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses enveloping tender elbow macaroni. The rich, velvety cheese sauce is elevated with hints of ground mustard and smoked paprika, while a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping provides the perfect buttery contrast. Prepared in just 15 minutes and baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or festive gatherings. Whether you're a mac and cheese purist or a foodie on the hunt for the ultimate indulgence, this recipe promises to be your new go-to. Serve it piping hot and watch it disappear!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the macaroni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to create a roux.

Step 5

Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese a handful at a time until completely melted and smooth.

Step 7

Add the ground mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.

Step 8

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Step 9

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

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and mix until the crumbs are coated.

Step 11

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

Step 12

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

Step 13

Let the macaroni and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2258.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6296.5

Total Fat 369.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 211.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 1067.8mg	0%
Sodium 8192.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 473.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.9g	0%
Total Sugars 57.1g
Protein 264.0g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 5924.5mg	0%
Iron 15.2mg	0%
Potassium 2357.9mg	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: 53.0%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 30.2%