Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese

Take comfort food to the next level with "Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese," a decadent twist on the classic dish. This bold and cheesy recipe combines creamy layers of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and cream cheese to deliver an unparalleled depth of flavor. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick, this baked mac and cheese is topped with golden panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting, gourmet side dish, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that redefines everyone's favorite cheesy indulgence. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ultimate blend of rich, creamy, and crispy perfection!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 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
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz Cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the 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 according to 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 lightly golden and bubbly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 8

Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil, mixing until the crumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Let the mac and cheese cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy a rich, gooey, and irresistible take on a classic comfort food!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2108.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5904.8

Total Fat 347.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 199.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 1017.4mg	0%
Sodium 5858.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 458.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.3g	0%
Total Sugars 59.5g
Protein 227.0g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4623.8mg	0%
Iron 22.9mg	0%
Potassium 1681.5mg	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: 53.3%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 31.2%