Nif's Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Bake or No Bake

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy comfort of "Nif's Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Bake or No Bake," a versatile recipe that delivers velvety richness in every bite. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan, this dish transforms elbow macaroni into a decadent meal suitable for any occasion. Whether you opt for the quick no-bake version or elevate it with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping in the baked variety, the result is a crowd-pleaser brimming with flavor. Highlighted by a smooth roux-based cheese sauce, a touch of Dijon mustard for depth, and an optional paprika garnish, this macaroni and cheese is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food that adapts to your kitchen style. Keywords: creamy macaroni and cheese, baked macaroni, easy dinner recipe, homemade cheese sauce, comfort food recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 340 grams Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for bake version)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (optional, for bake version)

Directions

Step 1

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 2

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Add the Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat all the noodles evenly.

Step 7

For the no-bake version: Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of paprika.

Step 8

For the bake version: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1911.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5151.3

Total Fat 296.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 167.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 851.8mg	0%
Sodium 6561.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 415.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.2g	0%
Total Sugars 51.4g
Protein 192.1g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4081.6mg	0%
Iron 17.9mg	0%
Potassium 1556.7mg	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: 52.3%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 32.6%