Mac N Cheese and a Bit More

Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with "Mac N Cheese and a Bit More," a decadent twist on the classic dish that's loaded with layers of flavor and texture. This irresistible recipe starts with creamy elbow macaroni coated in a luscious three-cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella, seasoned with smoked paprika and mustard powder for a subtle kick. But the magic doesn’t stop there! It’s topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a buttery, golden panko breadcrumb topping for the perfect crunch. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or treating your family to a cozy weeknight indulgence, this baked mac and cheese masterpiece is sure to become a crowd favorite. Perfect as a standalone meal or the star of your holiday table, this recipe combines comfort and sophistication in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons ground mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 6 slices bacon (crispy and crumbled)
• 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Stir in the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Add the smoked paprika, ground mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until thoroughly coated.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Top the mac and cheese with the caramelized onions and crumbled bacon.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your elevated Mac N Cheese and a Bit More!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1917.9 grams (1917.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5271

Total Fat 326.00g	418%
Saturated Fat 185.00g	925%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.90g
Cholesterol 919mg	306%
Sodium 7759mg	337%
Total Carbohydrate 350.10g	127%
Dietary Fiber 18.00g	64%
Total Sugars 47.60g
Protein 214.80g	430%

Vitamin D 263IU	1314%
Calcium 4184mg	322%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 1858mg	40%

*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: 56.5%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 27.0%