Mom's Marvellous Macaroni

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly indulgent, Mom's Marvellous Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food that brings family dinners to life. This rich baked macaroni and cheese recipe combines tender elbow pasta with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, perfectly seasoned with a hint of paprika and black pepper. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish is baked to bubbly perfection in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re craving a hearty side dish or a crowd-pleasing main course, this easy-to-make classic is sure to become a household favorite. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.

Step 6

Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated.

Step 8

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

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the macaroni.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1840.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4959.4

Total Fat 284.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 158.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 771.8mg	0%
Sodium 5866.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 406.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.0g	0%
Total Sugars 53.1g
Protein 179.1g	0%

Vitamin D 370.1IU	0%
Calcium 3421.1mg	0%
Iron 19.6mg	0%
Potassium 1394.1mg	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: 14.6%

Carbs: 33.1%