Awesome Mac and Cheese

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this 'Awesome Mac and Cheese' recipe! Featuring a creamy, velvety cheese sauce made with a trio of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish strikes the perfect balance between richness and flavor. The tender elbow macaroni is coated in a luscious blend of whole milk and heavy cream, while a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying texture to every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this baked macaroni and cheese is as indulgent as it is easy to make, with just 15 minutes of prep and a short bake time. Whether it’s served as a main dish or a crowd-pleasing side, this classic comfort food with a gourmet twist will be your new family favorite. Keywords: mac and cheese recipe, baked macaroni and cheese, creamy cheese sauce, comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

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 Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Paprika (optional)
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

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

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using) to the cheese sauce. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Awesome Mac and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1640.7 grams (1640.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3940

Total Fat 195.80g	251%
Saturated Fat 111.60g	558%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 580mg	193%
Sodium 4111mg	179%
Total Carbohydrate 386.90g	141%
Dietary Fiber 17.20g	61%
Total Sugars 53.50g
Protein 129.40g	259%

Vitamin D 322IU	1611%
Calcium 2155mg	166%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 1217mg	26%

*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: 46.0%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 40.4%