Macaroni and Cheese for Grownups

Elevate your comfort food game with "Macaroni and Cheese for Grownups," a sophisticated twist on the beloved classic. This creamy masterpiece combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety sauce of sharp white cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan. Infused with a hint of Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, it’s perfectly seasoned to please adult palates. Crispy pancetta adds a burst of smoky, savory flavor, while a golden panko breadcrumb topping offers the ultimate crunch. Baked to bubbly perfection in just under an hour, this gourmet mac and cheese is ideal for cozy dinners or indulgent gatherings. Serve it as a standout side dish or a decadent main course, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces pancetta, diced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until crispy. Remove from the pan and transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel. Set aside.

Step 3

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

Step 4

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, reserving a handful of each cheese for topping later. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 7

Add the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well.

Step 8

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Stir in the crispy pancetta.

Step 9

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese, followed by the reserved 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 the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2012.5 grams (2012.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5519

Total Fat 349.20g	448%
Saturated Fat 190.90g	955%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 991mg	330%
Sodium 6433mg	280%
Total Carbohydrate 363.40g	132%
Dietary Fiber 15.50g	55%
Total Sugars 51.20g
Protein 219.30g	439%

Vitamin D 406IU	2031%
Calcium 4618mg	355%
Iron 19mg	103%
Potassium 1718mg	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: 57.4%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 26.6%