Mac Daddy Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mac Daddy Mac and Cheese, a decadently cheesy and irresistibly creamy masterpiece that's perfect for any occasion. This crowd-pleasing dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious sauce made from a mouthwatering blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and cream cheese, elevated with Dijon mustard and a hint of garlic and onion powder for a flavor-packed punch. Topped with buttery, crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, this recipe delivers the ideal balance of creaminess and crunch. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and serving up to six hearty portions, this mac and cheese is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or potluck gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color, and prepare to savor the ultimate comfort food upgrade!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

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 Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz Cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Onion powder
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (for breadcrumbs)
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 4

Lower the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2095.1 grams (2095.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5828

Total Fat 345.50g	443%
Saturated Fat 204.20g	1021%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 1037mg	346%
Sodium 6478mg	282%
Total Carbohydrate 457.40g	166%
Dietary Fiber 19.90g	71%
Total Sugars 59.40g
Protein 211.00g	422%

Vitamin D 408IU	2041%
Calcium 4205mg	323%
Iron 23mg	129%
Potassium 1709mg	36%

*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: 53.8%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 31.6%