Macaroni and Cheese for Mom and Dad

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "Macaroni and Cheese for Mom and Dad," a grown-up twist on the classic favorite. This creamy, baked delight combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich and velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, perfectly balanced with a hint of Dijon mustard and spices. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs, this dish offers the perfect blend of indulgence and texture. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's ideal for a cozy dinner for two and pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a glass of wine. Whether you're treating your parents or treating yourself, this baked mac and cheese is a sure hit for any comfort food craving.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 200 grams elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.

Step 4

Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold to coat all the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting macaroni and cheese with Mom and Dad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(955.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2604.9

Total Fat 152.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 415.9mg	0%
Sodium 2938.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 206.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.8g	0%
Total Sugars 26.6g
Protein 94.0g	0%

Vitamin D 197.0IU	0%
Calcium 1921.1mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 751.6mg	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: 53.3%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 32.1%