Not Yo Mama's Mac N Cheese

Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with "Not Yo Mama's Mac N Cheese," a luxurious twist on the classic dish that's guaranteed to impress! This indulgent recipe combines velvety layers of cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and cream cheese with a perfectly creamy bechamel base, enriched by the bold flavors of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dry mustard. Topped with crispy, golden panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this baked mac and cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for special occasions or weeknight indulgence. With its perfectly seasoned cheese sauce and irresistibly rich texture, this dish redefines homemade mac and cheese in the most delicious way. Make it your next go-to recipe for comfort food nirvana!

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz Cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp Dry mustard powder
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it forms a thick paste (roux).

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese until smooth. Then gradually add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

Stir in the dry mustard powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently until fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Not Yo Mama's Mac N Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1627.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6503.1

Total Fat 411.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 232.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1129.5mg	0%
Sodium 8120.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 443.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.1g	0%
Total Sugars 24.3g
Protein 256.5g	0%

Vitamin D 120.0IU	0%
Calcium 5058.6mg	0%
Iron 25.2mg	0%
Potassium 819.1mg	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: 56.9%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 27.3%