Rachel's Fancy Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Rachel's Fancy Macaroni and Cheese, a luxurious twist on the classic dish. Made with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and nutty Parmesan, this recipe promises velvety cheese sauce perfection in every bite. The crispy golden panko breadcrumb topping, lightly toasted with olive oil, adds a delightful crunch that complements the rich and creamy macaroni base. Finished with subtle notes of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a hint of paprika, this baked macaroni and cheese brings bold flavors and an irresistibly indulgent texture to your table. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks, this elevated mac and cheese is ready in under an hour and sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

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
• 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions 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 until golden and bubbly.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until thickened.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat each piece of pasta evenly.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of 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

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2039.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5717.7

Total Fat 345.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 192.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 971.8mg	0%
Sodium 6525.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 413.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.9g	0%
Total Sugars 51.7g
Protein 226.3g	0%

Vitamin D 418.1IU	0%
Calcium 4993.5mg	0%
Iron 20.8mg	0%
Potassium 1631.2mg	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: 54.8%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 29.2%