Macaroni and Cheese Surprise

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our irresistible Macaroni and Cheese Surprise! This upgraded twist on the classic features a velvety three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, perfectly coating tender elbow macaroni. But the real star is the surprise layer—crispy, smoky crumbled bacon nestled between the creamy pasta layers that adds a delightful burst of flavor. Topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this baked macaroni and cheese is pure indulgence. Ready in under an hour, it's the perfect centerpiece for cozy family dinners or potlucks. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon kick, and crunchy topping, this dish is a showstopper your taste buds won’t forget!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring all noodles are well coated with the cheese sauce.

Step 7

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour half of the macaroni mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the macaroni as the 'surprise' layer.

Step 9

Top with the remaining macaroni mixture, spreading it evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil, mixing until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, crunchy, and bacon-filled 'Macaroni and Cheese Surprise'!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2168 grams (2168.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6347

Total Fat 374.60g	480%
Saturated Fat 203.20g	1016%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 1079mg	360%
Sodium 8343mg	363%
Total Carbohydrate 460.50g	167%
Dietary Fiber 19.90g	71%
Total Sugars 55.30g
Protein 266.30g	533%

Vitamin D 418IU	2091%
Calcium 4603mg	354%
Iron 24mg	132%
Potassium 2327mg	50%

*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: 53.7%

Protein: 17.0%

Carbs: 29.3%