Macaroni and Cheese Au Gratin

Elevate your comfort food game with this indulgent Macaroni and Cheese Au Gratin recipe. Featuring a creamy, velvety sauce made from a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is boldly flavored with a hint of Dijon mustard and paprika. Tender macaroni is coated in the luxurious cheese sauce, then topped with a golden panko-Parmesan crust infused with olive oil and fresh parsley for the perfect crunch. Baked to bubbling perfection, this oven-to-table classic promises savory satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delectable holiday side dish, this mac 'n' cheese au gratin delivers rich, cheesy goodness with a crispy twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 250 g macaroni pasta
• 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
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes a light golden paste.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well, then fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.

Step 7

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, chopped parsley, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1808.9 grams (1808.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4673

Total Fat 304.50g	390%
Saturated Fat 176.60g	883%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 892mg	297%
Sodium 6801mg	296%
Total Carbohydrate 294.30g	107%
Dietary Fiber 11.50g	41%
Total Sugars 46.30g
Protein 187.60g	375%

Vitamin D 394IU	1971%
Calcium 4565mg	351%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 2131mg	45%

*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: 58.7%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 25.2%