The Best Macaroni and Cheese

Dive into pure comfort with *The Best Macaroni and Cheese*, a creamy, indulgent dish that takes this classic to a whole new level. Featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan, this recipe balances rich, deep flavors with perfectly al dente elbow macaroni. The secret to its irresistible texture lies in the golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping, lightly toasted with olive oil for an added crunch. Ready in just an hour, this baked macaroni and cheese is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With its silky sauce, satisfying crunch, and bold cheesy aroma, this comfort food favorite is guaranteed to impress! Keywords: creamy macaroni and cheese, baked macaroni, homemade cheese sauce, crispy panko topping, family comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams Elbow macaroni
• 80 grams Unsalted butter
• 60 grams All-purpose flour
• 750 milliliters Whole milk
• 250 milliliters Heavy cream
• 300 grams Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 200 grams Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 75 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground mustard
• 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
• 100 grams Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray 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, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

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

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Step 10

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

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, indulgent macaroni and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2314.3 grams (2314.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6663

Total Fat 386.20g	495%
Saturated Fat 221.70g	1109%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.20g
Cholesterol 1131mg	377%
Sodium 9241mg	402%
Total Carbohydrate 518.20g	188%
Dietary Fiber 21.80g	78%
Total Sugars 60.60g
Protein 273.00g	546%

Vitamin D 448IU	2238%
Calcium 5916mg	455%
Iron 27mg	147%
Potassium 1735mg	37%

*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: 52.3%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 31.2%