My Daddy's Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with "My Daddy's Mac and Cheese," a creamy, cheesy masterpiece packed with rich, homemade flavor. This family-favorite recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey jack, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, creating a velvety sauce that's perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, black pepper, and a touch of salt. Whether stovetop or baked with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping, this dish is easy to prepare in just 40 minutes and is guaranteed to satisfy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this mac and cheese recipe is the definition of cozy, nostalgic indulgence!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter (optional, for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, usually 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

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 make a roux.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it starts to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low. Slowly add the shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring until each addition melts completely and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat each piece of pasta in the creamy cheese mixture.

Step 7

If baking (optional): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 8

For a crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Step 9

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness of My Daddy's Mac and Cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1738.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4615.2

Total Fat 234.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 130.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 651.8mg	0%
Sodium 6187.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 426.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.1g	0%
Total Sugars 54.4g
Protein 210.0g	0%

Vitamin D 406.1IU	0%
Calcium 4329.9mg	0%
Iron 20.3mg	0%
Potassium 1557.3mg	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: 45.3%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 36.7%