Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and decadent Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luscious combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere cheese, creating a velvety sauce enriched with whole milk and heavy cream. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for a satisfyingly crispy finish, this baked macaroni and cheese strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy. Seasoned with a hint of paprika for added depth, it’s an irresistible dish that’s ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a golden, bubbly bake, this homestyle classic is guaranteed to please every cheese lover at the table.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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 until a smooth paste forms.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat evenly.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

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

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homestyle comfort dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2046.3 grams (2046.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5712

Total Fat 328.80g	422%
Saturated Fat 196.30g	982%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 994mg	331%
Sodium 6028mg	262%
Total Carbohydrate 458.10g	167%
Dietary Fiber 19.50g	70%
Total Sugars 55.20g
Protein 215.90g	432%

Vitamin D 418IU	2091%
Calcium 4428mg	341%
Iron 23mg	128%
Potassium 1629mg	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: 52.3%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 32.4%