Macaroni Heaven

Dive into creamy, cheesy indulgence with "Macaroni Heaven," the ultimate comfort food experience. This baked macaroni and cheese masterpiece combines tender elbow macaroni with a luxuriously rich cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and velvety cream cheese. Elevated with a touch of Dijon mustard, paprika, and garlic powder, every bite boasts a harmonious blend of flavors. Topped with golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs and a hint of fresh parsley, this dish balances creamy and crispy textures perfectly. Ready in just 45 minutes and easy to prepare, "Macaroni Heaven" is your go-to recipe for satisfying weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Perfect for cheese lovers, this recipe is guaranteed to impress the whole family!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 120 grams cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking continuously, to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until light golden in color.

Step 4

Slowly add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Add the Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 12

Serve hot and enjoy your Macaroni Heaven!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2053.1 grams (2053.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5640

Total Fat 339.20g	435%
Saturated Fat 193.10g	965%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.90g
Cholesterol 993mg	331%
Sodium 6582mg	286%
Total Carbohydrate 423.00g	154%
Dietary Fiber 17.80g	64%
Total Sugars 57.80g
Protein 207.80g	416%

Vitamin D 406IU	2031%
Calcium 4419mg	340%
Iron 21mg	118%
Potassium 1749mg	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: 54.7%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 30.3%