Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a family-favorite classic that's taken up a notch. Featuring a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, this rich sauce perfectly coats tender elbow macaroni, creating a creamy base that's hard to resist. Topped with a golden, crunchy layer of seasoned panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, this dish combines velvety texture with a satisfying crispness in every bite. Perfect for cozy dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks, this baked mac and cheese is as easy to make as it is to devour, coming together in just one hour. Whether you’re seeking comfort food bliss or planning the ultimate side dish, this recipe is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams elbow macaroni
• 60 grams butter
• 50 grams all-purpose flour
• 750 ml milk
• 125 ml heavy cream
• 200 grams sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 100 grams Gruyère cheese (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 100 grams panko breadcrumbs
• 30 grams parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes until thickened, whisking frequently.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese into a 9x13-inch (or similar size) baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1874.8 grams (1874.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4994

Total Fat 252.00g	323%
Saturated Fat 133.70g	669%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.70g
Cholesterol 688mg	229%
Sodium 6154mg	268%
Total Carbohydrate 471.30g	171%
Dietary Fiber 19.90g	71%
Total Sugars 60.10g
Protein 194.30g	389%

Vitamin D 399IU	1994%
Calcium 3800mg	292%
Iron 23mg	129%
Potassium 1640mg	35%

*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: 15.8%

Carbs: 38.2%