Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the comforting classic with this Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a silky sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish gets its rich flavor from whole milk, heavy cream, and a hint of paprika for a subtle warmth. Toasted panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch, elevating this baked macaroni and cheese to perfection. Ready in just 45 minutes, this nostalgic favorite is ideal for a hearty family dinner or as a standout side dish at any gathering. Classic comfort food has never tasted this good!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups 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 Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese a handful at a time until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 9

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir until they are golden brown and evenly coated in butter.

Step 10

Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1747.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4546.9

Total Fat 311.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 192.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 951.8mg	0%
Sodium 6503.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 253.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 45.2g
Protein 177.8g	0%

Vitamin D 408.1IU	0%
Calcium 4223.5mg	0%
Iron 13.1mg	0%
Potassium 1548.9mg	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: 61.9%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 22.4%