President Reagan's Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

Rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting, President Reagan's Favorite Macaroni and Cheese takes classic comfort food to presidential heights. This baked mac and cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan, enhanced with the subtle tang of Dijon mustard and a hint of paprika. A golden, crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil adds the perfect crunch to every bite. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly indulgent, this dish is easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, making it an impressive yet simple choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Try this beloved favorite for a taste of timeless American flavor that’s truly presidential!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly golden.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, making sure no lumps form. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5

Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, indulgent favorite of President Reagan!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1396.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3615.1

Total Fat 224.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 129.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 637.2mg	0%
Sodium 5810.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 252.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.5g	0%
Total Sugars 40.3g
Protein 147.9g	0%

Vitamin D 316.4IU	0%
Calcium 3265.5mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 1223.9mg	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: 55.7%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 27.9%