Mary's Macaroni and Cheese

Dive into ultimate comfort food bliss with Mary’s Macaroni and Cheese, a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy baked dish that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This classic recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, creating a symphony of flavor in every bite. A golden breadcrumb topping, enhanced with a hint of paprika, adds a delightful crunch that elevates this dish to perfection. Ready in just 45 minutes, this baked macaroni and cheese is as easy to make as it is indulgent. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side, Mary’s Macaroni and Cheese is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

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 half-and-half
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika (for garnish)
• 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 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. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until smooth and golden.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and half-and-half to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, and grated parmesan, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing well to ensure the pasta is fully coated.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

If desired, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and a pinch of paprika for added texture and color.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy Mary’s Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2100.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5353.7

Total Fat 278.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 166.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 833.4mg	0%
Sodium 7473.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 470.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.7g	0%
Total Sugars 65.3g
Protein 251.1g	0%

Vitamin D 418.1IU	0%
Calcium 5360.9mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 2040.0mg	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: 46.4%

Protein: 18.6%

Carbs: 34.9%