The Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with *The Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese*, a luxurious dish that elevates a classic favorite. This recipe combines tender, al dente elbow macaroni with a velvety, homemade three-cheese sauce crafted from sharp cheddar, nutty gruyère, and savory parmesan. The secret to its unmatched creaminess lies in the perfect balance of whole milk and heavy cream, enriched with a silky roux. Flavored with a touch of dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder, every bite is a symphony of cheesy goodness with a hint of depth and warmth. Ready in just 45 minutes, this rich and satisfying dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings. Garnish with a dash of paprika for a pop of color and flavor, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds. Perfect for cheese lovers, this recipe will leave you craving more!
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Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Step 3
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar cheese, gruyère cheese, and parmesan cheese, one handful at a time. Stir until each addition is fully melted and incorporated.
Step 5
Mix in the dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnishing with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1939.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5207.6 |
| Total Fat 294.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 174.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g | |
| Cholesterol 896.3mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5293.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 413.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 51.6g | |
| Protein 213.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 395.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 4529.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1534.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories