Home Made Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese recipe, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and nutty gruyere, this dish takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. A golden, crunchy topping of buttery panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan adds the perfect textural contrast to the luscious pasta. Made with simple pantry staples like elbow macaroni, milk, and a touch of paprika for subtle warmth, this baked mac and cheese comes together in just 40 minutes. Serve it straight out of the oven for a warm, hearty dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter (for breadcrumbs)

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 the 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 make a roux, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and gruyere cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 6

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy homemade macaroni and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1840.9 grams (1840.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4852

Total Fat 287.40g	368%
Saturated Fat 169.60g	848%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.90g
Cholesterol 878mg	293%
Sodium 5941mg	258%
Total Carbohydrate 368.50g	134%
Dietary Fiber 15.40g	55%
Total Sugars 52.00g
Protein 180.20g	360%

Vitamin D 417IU	2086%
Calcium 3862mg	297%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 1554mg	33%

*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: 54.1%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 30.8%