Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy comfort of Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese, a classic baked dish that’s elevated with rich layers of flavor. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère, perfectly spiced with Dijon mustard, paprika, and black pepper. Topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, this hearty casserole is baked to bubbling perfection, offering the ideal balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe will have your guests coming back for more. Master the art of homemade macaroni and cheese with this timeless, crowd-pleasing dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 8

Add the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 11

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 12

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 13

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

Step 14

Let the mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1949.8 grams (1949.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5328

Total Fat 333.70g	428%
Saturated Fat 200.30g	1002%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 1014mg	338%
Sodium 6485mg	282%
Total Carbohydrate 365.00g	133%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 51.10g
Protein 206.80g	414%

Vitamin D 432IU	2161%
Calcium 4646mg	357%
Iron 19mg	103%
Potassium 1608mg	34%

*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: 56.8%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 27.6%