Oven Mac and Cheese

Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy Oven Mac and Cheese recipe! Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is smothered in a luscious sauce made from sharp cheddar, nutty gruyere, and tangy parmesan cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection under a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping. This dish features a rich roux-based cheese sauce infused with hints of paprika and black pepper for an irresistible depth of flavor. With a quick 20-minute prep time and a crowd-pleasing 25-minute bake, it’s the ideal side dish or main course for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving something warm and comforting, this baked mac and cheese delivers indulgence in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses a handful at a time, allowing each batch to melt completely before adding the next. Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika, and stir until the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1983.5 grams (1983.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5454

Total Fat 341.60g	438%
Saturated Fat 199.80g	999%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 1012mg	337%
Sodium 7387mg	321%
Total Carbohydrate 359.60g	131%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 51.10g
Protein 229.90g	460%

Vitamin D 418IU	2091%
Calcium 5300mg	408%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 1607mg	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: 56.6%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 26.5%