Tammy's Best Ever Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with *Tammy's Best Ever Macaroni Cheese*, a rich and creamy baked pasta dish that will leave everyone craving seconds. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious homemade sauce featuring sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan cheeses for a perfect balance of flavors. A touch of dijon mustard adds depth, while a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping elevates this classic to gourmet status. Ready in just 50 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for warm, cheesy goodness. Serve it hot and watch as this oven-baked macaroni and cheese steals the spotlight!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. 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 about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, gruyère cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, and mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining parmesan cheese and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

Optional: Lightly dust the top with paprika for color and added flavor.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Let the macaroni cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2306.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5701.2

Total Fat 305.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 176.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 917.1mg	0%
Sodium 7701.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 466.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.9g	0%
Total Sugars 66.8g
Protein 254.7g	0%

Vitamin D 525.4IU	0%
Calcium 5589.9mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 1977.2mg	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: 48.8%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 33.1%