Pioneer Woman's Not Your Grannys Mac Cheese

Take your mac and cheese game to the next level with *Pioneer Woman's Not Your Granny's Mac & Cheese*! This creamy, indulgent masterpiece combines the velvety richness of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses with a perfectly seasoned béchamel sauce infused with smoked paprika and ground mustard. Topped with a golden, crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs kissed with olive oil, this baked mac and cheese delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. Easy to make in just under an hour, it’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a crowd-pleasing dish. Whether served fresh from the oven or paired with your favorite sides, this upgraded classic will redefine your expectations of the perfect macaroni and cheese.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz Elbow macaroni
• 6 tbsp Butter
• 6 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup Heavy cream, warmed
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Ground mustard
• 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
• 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. 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 to eliminate the raw flour taste, whisking constantly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture remains smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Stir in the salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and smoked paprika. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to evenly coat the pasta.

Step 7

Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac & cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2592.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7184.3

Total Fat 436.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 247.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 1343.4mg	0%
Sodium 11450.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 515.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.2g	0%
Total Sugars 76.9g
Protein 306.4g	0%

Vitamin D 653.4IU	0%
Calcium 7251.1mg	0%
Iron 26.8mg	0%
Potassium 2174.1mg	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: 54.5%

Protein: 17.0%

Carbs: 28.6%