The Best Ever Mac Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "The Best Ever Mac & Cheese," a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s guaranteed to impress! This decadent recipe combines three luxurious cheeses—sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan—for a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly clings to tender elbow macaroni. A golden, crunchy topping of buttery panko breadcrumbs with a hint of paprika adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this baked mac and cheese is ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re craving pure comfort. Whether served as a side dish or the main attraction, this recipe delivers creamy, baked perfection in every bite. Perfect for those searching for the best homemade mac and cheese recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp paprika

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses one handful at a time, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth.

Step 5

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 7

In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and paprika, stirring continuously until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.

Step 9

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Best Ever Mac & Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2023.9 grams (2023.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5678

Total Fat 327.70g	420%
Saturated Fat 180.00g	900%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 912mg	304%
Sodium 6388mg	278%
Total Carbohydrate 449.70g	164%
Dietary Fiber 19.40g	69%
Total Sugars 55.20g
Protein 219.10g	438%

Vitamin D 406IU	2031%
Calcium 4604mg	354%
Iron 22mg	124%
Potassium 1548mg	33%

*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: 52.4%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 32.0%