Macaroni and Cheese Perfection
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "Macaroni and Cheese Perfection," a rich and creamy spin on the classic dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety, triple-cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and tangy Parmesan, all brought together with a hint of Dijon mustard and a dash of paprika for added depth. Whether served straight from the stovetop or baked to golden-bubbly perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is a showstopper for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights in. With its balanced blend of bold flavors and irresistibly smooth texture, this mac and cheese is nothing short of decadent. Ready in under an hour and serving six hearty portions, it’s the definition of comfort made easy. Perfect for macaroni and cheese lovers craving a truly indulgent experience!
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Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp 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 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Directions
Step 1
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 2
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Step 3
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese one handful at a time until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5
Mix in the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce.
Step 6
Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.
Step 7
If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top, if using.
Step 8
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 9
Serve hot and enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese Perfection!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1976.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5327.8 |
| Total Fat 295.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 174.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g | |
| Cholesterol 891.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6742.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 439.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 54.7g | |
| Protein 216.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 394.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 4515.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 21.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1581.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories