Lyssie's Best Macaroni and Cheese

Get ready to indulge in ultimate comfort with *Lyssie's Best Macaroni and Cheese*, a luxuriously creamy and cheesy casserole that will elevate any meal. This family-approved recipe combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan, melted into a velvety sauce with hints of Dijon mustard, garlic, and paprika for a subtle kick. Topped with buttery, golden panko bread crumbs and an extra layer of bubbly cheddar crust, this dish offers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick bake, it's the ideal crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Serve this rich baked macaroni and cheese straight from the oven and watch it become the star of your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 0.5 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light golden.

Step 4

Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly and is smooth.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine.

Step 7

Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Step 9

Top with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy crust.

Step 10

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

Step 11

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2014.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5599.1

Total Fat 337.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 201.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 1013.8mg	0%
Sodium 6444.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 403.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.6g	0%
Total Sugars 47.6g
Protein 225.8g	0%

Vitamin D 406.1IU	0%
Calcium 5113.1mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 1658.4mg	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: 54.7%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 29.0%