Magnificent Macaroni and Cheese

Dive into the creamy, cheesy decadence of Magnificent Macaroni and Cheese, a comfort food classic elevated to gourmet status! This baked mac and cheese recipe combines the perfect trio of sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan for a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of tender elbow macaroni. Enhanced with a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping, lightly toasted in olive oil, this dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures. Quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time and ready to serve in under an hour, it’s the ideal crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks. Garnished with a hint of paprika for a pop of color and smoky flavor, this irresistible recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for lovers of baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy comfort foods, or easy weeknight dinners!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups Milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

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

Step 8

In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Magnificent Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1590.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4225.9

Total Fat 282.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 158.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 786.9mg	0%
Sodium 5850.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 252.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.3g	0%
Total Sugars 42.6g
Protein 154.9g	0%

Vitamin D 316.4IU	0%
Calcium 3641.9mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 1335.7mg	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: 61.0%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 24.2%