Special Mac and Cheese for a Crowd

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly indulgent, this Special Mac and Cheese for a Crowd is the ultimate comfort food designed to please a big gathering. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is folded into a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with a blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, Parmesan, and cream cheese, delivering layers of luxurious flavor in every bite. Elevated with a touch of Dijon mustard, paprika, and garlic powder, this dish boasts a gourmet twist on a classic favorite. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs for the perfect crunchy contrast, this baked mac and cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holidays, or family dinners. Easily serving 12, it's both generous and impressive, making it the go-to dish for gatherings large or small.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 pounds elbow macaroni
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 cups whole milk
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 6 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish or two medium-sized ones and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until slightly undercooked, about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Turn down the heat to low, and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time, until fully melted.

Step 6

Add the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.

Step 8

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over 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 rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5735.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	15776.7

Total Fat 1021.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 592.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 3053.3mg	0%
Sodium 18147.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1000.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.9g	0%
Total Sugars 142.1g
Protein 596.6g	0%

Vitamin D 1098.9IU	0%
Calcium 13604.5mg	0%
Iron 50.9mg	0%
Potassium 4454.7mg	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: 59.0%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 25.7%