Mom's Extra Sharp Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "Mom's Extra Sharp Mac and Cheese," a rich and creamy baked pasta dish that’s sure to become your family favorite. Featuring a velvety cheese sauce made from extra sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this recipe brings bold, tangy flavors to the classic mac and cheese. A touch of ground mustard and paprika adds subtle depth, while a crispy golden topping of buttery panko breadcrumbs completes each irresistible bite. Perfectly seasoned and baked to bubbling perfection, this dish is ready in just 45 minutes and serves six hearty portions. Whether you’re preparing an indulgent family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side for a potluck, this cheesy masterpiece is guaranteed to wow your guests.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3.5 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 12 oz Extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Ground mustard
• 0.25 tsp Paprika
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter

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 the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the extra sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese in small batches, ensuring each addition melts completely before adding the next. Once fully combined, the sauce should be smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 8

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

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until the crumbs are lightly moistened. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 10

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 11

Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this extra sharp and creamy comfort food!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2165.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5822.1

Total Fat 335.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 191.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9g
Cholesterol 944.4mg	0%
Sodium 7227.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 457.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.1g	0%
Total Sugars 61.0g
Protein 233.2g	0%

Vitamin D 448.7IU	0%
Calcium 4767.3mg	0%
Iron 21.3mg	0%
Potassium 1588.5mg	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: 52.2%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 31.6%