Mom's Macaroni and Cheese
Savor the heartwarming comfort of *Mom's Macaroni and Cheese*, a classic baked dish that takes creamy indulgence to the next level. Featuring a luscious three-cheese blend of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, this recipe is elevated by a rich, silky cheese sauce made from milk and heavy cream. Topped with a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb crust for the perfect textural contrast, it delivers flavors that are both nostalgic and irresistible. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, this savory masterpiece then bakes to bubbly perfection in under half an hour, serving up six generous portions of pure comfort food. Whether it's for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this baked macaroni and cheese recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to 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. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
Step 4
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and bubbles.
Step 5
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 2 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup of gruyere, and 1/4 cup of parmesan. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 6
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Step 7
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 8
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.
Step 9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Step 10
Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite side dishes!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2324.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5975.8 |
| Total Fat 341.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 197.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g | |
| Cholesterol 1021.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6899.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 465.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 66.9g | |
| Protein 242.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 537.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 5393.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 23.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2033.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories