Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and crispy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole! This baked classic elevates traditional mac and cheese with a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and gruyere cheeses, infused with hints of ground mustard and garlic powder for a bold depth of flavor. Topped with a buttery, golden breadcrumb and parmesan crust, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the creamy pasta. Quick to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this casserole is an ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Whether served as a main course or a decadent side dish, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup gruyere cheese (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. Add the ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 6

Remove the cheese sauce from heat and combine it with the cooked macaroni. Stir until the macaroni is fully coated.

Step 7

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated parmesan cheese together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy and crispy macaroni and cheese casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1749.1 grams (1749.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4632

Total Fat 255.60g	328%
Saturated Fat 154.50g	773%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 780mg	260%
Sodium 6302mg	274%
Total Carbohydrate 370.90g	135%
Dietary Fiber 15.20g	54%
Total Sugars 51.60g
Protein 222.40g	445%

Vitamin D 418IU	2091%
Calcium 5020mg	386%
Iron 19mg	103%
Potassium 1726mg	37%

*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: 49.2%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 31.7%