Skillet Mac Cheese Macaroni Cheese

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this Skillet Mac Cheese Macaroni Cheese recipe—a creamy, decadent blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, delivering layers of rich, gooey perfection. This one-pan wonder starts with al dente elbow macaroni, coated in a velvety béchamel sauce infused with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a hint of smoky paprika for an irresistible flavor boost. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs toasted under the broiler, this dish balances creamy and crunchy textures in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent gatherings, this stovetop-to-oven recipe saves time while offering restaurant-quality results. Ready in just 35 minutes and serving up to four, it’s the perfect recipe for mac and cheese lovers who crave homemade simplicity and gourmet flair.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large, oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste turns golden and smells nutty.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine and prevent lumps. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Mix in the dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and gently stir to coat all the pasta with the cheese sauce.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese in the skillet.

Step 8

Preheat the broiler on high. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 9

Carefully remove the skillet from the broiler. Allow the mac & cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1446.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4103.9

Total Fat 273.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 156.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 791.6mg	0%
Sodium 5334.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 245.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.3g	0%
Total Sugars 34.6g
Protein 159.1g	0%

Vitamin D 286.7IU	0%
Calcium 3766.5mg	0%
Iron 13.2mg	0%
Potassium 1131.5mg	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: 60.3%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 24.1%