Oven Macaroni

Get ready to redefine comfort food with this indulgent Oven Macaroni recipe, the ultimate baked mac and cheese experience! Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a luscious, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish is elevated with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb topping for the perfect crunch. A creamy blend of milk and heavy cream creates a velvety base, while a hint of paprika adds a subtle kick of warmth. Ready in just 45 minutes, this baked macaroni is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve it straight from the oven to savor every gooey, cheesy bite. Perfect for anyone searching for classic comfort food with a gourmet twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 g elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni for a crispy topping.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1797.4 grams (1797.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4610

Total Fat 237.30g	304%
Saturated Fat 123.10g	615%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 624mg	208%
Sodium 4723mg	205%
Total Carbohydrate 439.60g	160%
Dietary Fiber 19.20g	69%
Total Sugars 57.30g
Protein 149.60g	299%

Vitamin D 322IU	1611%
Calcium 2595mg	200%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 1373mg	29%

*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: 47.5%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 39.1%