Mom's Mac N Cheese Perfected

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "Mom's Mac N Cheese Perfected," a rich and creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe that takes family favorites to the next level. Featuring a luscious homemade cheese sauce made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and Parmesan, this dish delivers layers of bold, gooey flavor. A hint of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and paprika adds a subtle depth, while a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping provides the perfect crunch. With just 15 minutes of prep and a bake time that leaves your kitchen smelling irresistible, this hearty mac and cheese serves as a satisfying main course or decadent side dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, it’s comfort food reimagined—pure nostalgia with a gourmet twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the 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 add the milk and heavy cream to the roux while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses (reserve ½ cup of the cheddar for topping). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

Step 6

Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl or directly in the saucepan if there's enough space. Stir to coat the macaroni thoroughly.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese. Top with the reserved ½ cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 12

Enjoy Mom's Mac N Cheese Perfected as a delicious main course or side dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2427.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6437.4

Total Fat 371.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 202.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.1g
Cholesterol 1038.7mg	0%
Sodium 7731.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 497.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 69.0g
Protein 258.3g	0%

Vitamin D 546.4IU	0%
Calcium 5577.5mg	0%
Iron 24.6mg	0%
Potassium 2022.6mg	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: 52.5%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 31.3%