My Dad's Macaroni Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, "My Dad's Macaroni Cheese" is the ultimate baked mac and cheese recipe that promises to be a hit at your table. This family-approved classic features tender elbow macaroni tossed in a rich, velvety sauce made with sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and a touch of Dijon mustard for added depth. The golden-brown topping—made from crispy panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil—provides the perfect crunch to contrast the creamy goodness underneath. With the subtle smokiness of paprika and a silky roux base, this oven-baked delight is an elevated take on a childhood favorite. Ready in just under an hour and serving up to six, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3

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

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.

Step 5

Stir in the shredded cheddar, gruyere, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1911.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5153.7

Total Fat 295.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 171.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 851.8mg	0%
Sodium 6021.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 416.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 53.3g
Protein 192.0g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 3782.1mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 1542.7mg	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: 15.1%

Carbs: 32.7%