Grown Up Macaroni and Cheese

Elevate your comfort food game with this indulgent Grown Up Macaroni and Cheese, a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that'll impress any dinner table. This recipe combines velvety sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan cheeses with a touch of Dijon mustard and garlic powder for a sophisticated twist on the classic dish. Crispy pancetta adds a salty, smoky punch, while a golden panko breadcrumb topping delivers the perfect crunch. Expertly baked to bubbly perfection and finished with optional fresh parsley, this macaroni and cheese is rich, flavorful, and utterly crave-worthy. Perfect for cozy family dinners or as a standout side dish at your next gathering, this recipe is comfort food made gourmet.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 4 oz pancetta (diced)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

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 to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Remove the saucepan from heat.

Step 7

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 8

Add the drained macaroni and crispy pancetta to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 9

Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (or similar size) baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2057.1 grams (2057.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5714

Total Fat 350.60g	449%
Saturated Fat 194.60g	973%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 996mg	332%
Sodium 9082mg	395%
Total Carbohydrate 373.50g	136%
Dietary Fiber 15.40g	55%
Total Sugars 51.50g
Protein 246.80g	494%

Vitamin D 377IU	1884%
Calcium 4988mg	384%
Iron 19mg	107%
Potassium 2044mg	43%

*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: 56.0%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 26.5%