Mamaw Birdie's World Famous Macaroni Cheese

Dive into the creamy, indulgent comfort of **Mamaw Birdie's World Famous Macaroni Cheese**, a baked classic elevated with a rich blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, tangy Parmesan, and velvety cream cheese. This recipe features perfectly al dente elbow macaroni enveloped in a luxurious, spice-enhanced cheese sauce, including hints of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground mustard for layers of flavor. Topped with golden, crisp breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish combines satisfying textures and irresistible aromas. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this crowd-pleaser is easy to prepare in under an hour and serves up to eight hearty portions. Whip up this ultimate homemade macaroni and cheese and discover why it’s truly "world famous"!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz Cream cheese, cubed
• 1 tsp Ground mustard powder
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and smooth.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Add the ground mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 7

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

Step 8

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

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy Mamaw Birdie's World Famous Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2652.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7288.0

Total Fat 446.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 251.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 1278.6mg	0%
Sodium 10004.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 516.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.5g	0%
Total Sugars 75.6g
Protein 303.1g	0%

Vitamin D 549.4IU	0%
Calcium 6850.2mg	0%
Iron 27.3mg	0%
Potassium 2252.2mg	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: 55.1%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 28.3%