The Lady's Cheesy Mac

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "The Lady's Cheesy Mac," a decadently creamy and rich mac and cheese recipe that takes indulgence to the next level. This irresistible dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, gruyère, parmesan, and cream cheese, delivering a multi-dimensional flavor profile in every bite. Elevated with a hint of ground mustard and paprika, this baked mac and cheese is crowned with an optional golden breadcrumb topping for the perfect crunchy finish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this crowd-pleasing casserole is ideal for cozy family dinners or as a standout side dish at gatherings. Whether you’re seeking nostalgic comfort or cheesy decadence, "The Lady’s Cheesy Mac" hits all the right notes.

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
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese, sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan. Whisk until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the ground mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7

Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 8

If desired, prepare the breadcrumb topping by combining the breadcrumbs and olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 9

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.

Step 10

Let the dish cool for 5-7 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting layers of cheesy goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2522.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6665.2

Total Fat 399.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 231.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 1178.6mg	0%
Sodium 7829.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 495.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.1g	0%
Total Sugars 73.9g
Protein 264.6g	0%

Vitamin D 537.4IU	0%
Calcium 5861.5mg	0%
Iron 24.8mg	0%
Potassium 2290.8mg	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: 54.2%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 29.9%