Macaroni and Cheese Homemade Crusty

Elevate your comfort food game with this indulgent Homemade Crusty Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Featuring tender elbow pasta bathed in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan, this dish is a cheese lover's dream. The real star, however, is the golden breadcrumb topping, made irresistibly crispy with a touch of olive oil, Parmesan, and a hint of paprika. Baked to bubbling perfection, this casserole delivers a delightful contrast between creamy macaroni and a crunch-tastic exterior. Ideal for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a satisfying, cheesy classic, this recipe is as easy as it is irresistible. With just 20 minutes of prep time and simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll be savoring the ultimate comfort food in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams Macaroni (elbow pasta)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or oil.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly, creating a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until thickened.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese, reserving a small amount of Parmesan for the topping. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the saucepan, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil to lightly coat them. Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese and a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.

Step 10

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

Step 11

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

Step 12

Allow the dish to cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade crusty macaroni and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2003.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5594.9

Total Fat 349.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 197.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 978.6mg	0%
Sodium 8886.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 374.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.7g	0%
Total Sugars 51.6g
Protein 234.4g	0%

Vitamin D 380.2IU	0%
Calcium 5644.0mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 2030.2mg	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: 56.4%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 26.8%