The Great American Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "The Great American Macaroni and Cheese," a decadent, oven-baked classic that takes mac and cheese to a whole new level. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce made from a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan—this recipe is as rich in flavor as it is in texture. A golden, buttery panko breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, while a hint of paprika ties everything together with a subtle kick. Ready in just 45 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and sophistication. It's comfort food perfection that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 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 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the macaroni is well coated.

Step 8

Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1969.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5404.5

Total Fat 304.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 180.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 913.8mg	0%
Sodium 5990.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 448.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.2g	0%
Total Sugars 55.1g
Protein 203.1g	0%

Vitamin D 408.1IU	0%
Calcium 4069.8mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 1512.6mg	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: 51.3%

Protein: 15.2%

Carbs: 33.5%