Macaroni and Extra Cheese Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, gooey Macaroni and Extra Cheese Casserole, a decadent twist on the classic mac and cheese. Overflowing with layers of four cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan—this casserole features a velvety homemade cheese sauce blanketing perfectly al dente elbow macaroni. A golden, crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs adds the perfect crunch, while a hint of paprika enhances its vibrant look and flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Serve it straight from the oven for a truly irresistible experience that'll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp Paprika (optional, for topping)
• 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

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 large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden, creating a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually add 2 cups of cheddar cheese, 1.5 cups of mozzarella, and the Gruyère cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the macaroni mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Step 9

If desired, lightly dust the top with paprika for added color and flavor.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2250.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6226.3

Total Fat 364.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 217.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 1147.8mg	0%
Sodium 7944.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 441.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.3g	0%
Total Sugars 57.4g
Protein 275.5g	0%

Vitamin D 418.1IU	0%
Calcium 6452.5mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 1767.7mg	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: 53.4%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 28.7%