Mom's Mac N Cheese Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, Mom's Mac N Cheese Casserole is the ultimate family-favorite dish! This baked masterpiece combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, creating a luscious sauce enriched with whole milk and heavy cream. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. A hint of paprika and optional fresh parsley elevate the flavor profile, making it anything but ordinary. With just 20 minutes of prep and a bubbling, oven-baked perfection in 30 minutes, this recipe serves up cheesy nostalgia in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 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)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture 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 and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2040.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5585.4

Total Fat 316.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 190.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 961.8mg	0%
Sodium 5932.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 456.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 55.2g
Protein 207.2g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 3920.6mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 1627.4mg	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: 51.8%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 33.1%