Over the Top Macaroni and Cheese

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this "Over the Top Macaroni and Cheese" recipe, a decadent twist on a timeless classic. This irresistible dish features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luxuriously creamy, homemade cheese sauce made with a trio of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and rich Parmesan. Elevated with hints of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, the flavor profile is as sophisticated as it is indulgent. Topped with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs and a touch of fresh parsley, this baked sensation delivers the perfect crispy finish to every gooey bite. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you're craving next-level mac and cheese, this recipe comes together in under an hour and serves a crowd. Comfort food lovers, meet your new obsession!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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

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 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted. Then add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, a handful at a time, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your indulgent Over the Top Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2401.6 grams (2401.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7119

Total Fat 455.60g	584%
Saturated Fat 270.20g	1351%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 1381mg	460%
Sodium 8910mg	387%
Total Carbohydrate 467.50g	170%
Dietary Fiber 19.90g	71%
Total Sugars 59.40g
Protein 288.00g	576%

Vitamin D 442IU	2211%
Calcium 6521mg	502%
Iron 24mg	135%
Potassium 1889mg	40%

*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: 57.6%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 26.3%