Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe

Indulge in the creamy decadence of Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe, a gourmet twist on the ultimate comfort food. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from a trio of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan. Enhanced with a hint of ground mustard, paprika, and just the right seasoning, this dish achieves a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of elegance, it's baked to bubbling perfection. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting main or a standout side, this elevated mac and cheese will leave your guests craving seconds. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, ground mustard powder, and paprika. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil and the remaining tablespoon of melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 9

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. If using, sprinkle the fresh parsley on top.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2386.7 grams (2386.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6253

Total Fat 370.40g	475%
Saturated Fat 213.40g	1067%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.40g
Cholesterol 1092mg	364%
Sodium 8382mg	364%
Total Carbohydrate 465.00g	169%
Dietary Fiber 19.90g	71%
Total Sugars 67.00g
Protein 255.80g	512%

Vitamin D 537IU	2687%
Calcium 5716mg	440%
Iron 24mg	131%
Potassium 2065mg	44%

*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: 53.6%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 29.9%