Mom's Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Mom's Macaroni Cheese, a rich and creamy baked pasta dish that's perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious three-cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan for a flavor-packed bite in every forkful. A golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping adds delightful texture, while a hint of optional paprika elevates the dish with subtle warmth and color. Ready in just under an hour, this classic mac and cheese boasts a velvety homemade roux, simple pantry ingredients, and a beautifully baked finish. Serve it fresh out of the oven as a standout side dish or satisfying main course, and watch it become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Gouda cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens into a smooth white sauce, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar cheese, Gouda cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

Optionally, sprinkle a light dusting of paprika over the top for added color and flavor.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Mom's Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2131.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5361.6

Total Fat 277.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 164.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 821.1mg	0%
Sodium 7120.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 474.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 66.8g
Protein 249.5g	0%

Vitamin D 537.4IU	0%
Calcium 5280.7mg	0%
Iron 23.9mg	0%
Potassium 2016.0mg	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: 46.3%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 35.2%