Masterful Mac N Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Masterful Mac N Cheese, a decadent twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines perfectly al dente elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan. The creamy base, infused with a hint of mustard powder and paprika for depth, is topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs for the perfect crunchy contrast. Ready in just 45 minutes, this baked mac and cheese is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a standout side dish at gatherings. Elevate your mac and cheese game with this irresistible blend of texture and flavor that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground mustard powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons 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. Cook the elbow macaroni according to 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 create a roux.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Masterful Mac N Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2184.8 grams (2184.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5473

Total Fat 336.00g	431%
Saturated Fat 185.60g	928%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.70g
Cholesterol 961mg	320%
Sodium 8940mg	389%
Total Carbohydrate 381.70g	139%
Dietary Fiber 16.00g	57%
Total Sugars 62.90g
Protein 215.90g	432%

Vitamin D 525IU	2627%
Calcium 5143mg	396%
Iron 20mg	108%
Potassium 1984mg	42%

*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: 55.9%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 28.2%