The Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with *The Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese*, a luxurious dish that elevates a classic favorite. This recipe combines tender, al dente elbow macaroni with a velvety, homemade three-cheese sauce crafted from sharp cheddar, nutty gruyère, and savory parmesan. The secret to its unmatched creaminess lies in the perfect balance of whole milk and heavy cream, enriched with a silky roux. Flavored with a touch of dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder, every bite is a symphony of cheesy goodness with a hint of depth and warmth. Ready in just 45 minutes, this rich and satisfying dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings. Garnish with a dash of paprika for a pop of color and flavor, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds. Perfect for cheese lovers, this recipe will leave you craving more!

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
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large 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 3

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar cheese, gruyère cheese, and parmesan cheese, one handful at a time. Stir until each addition is fully melted and incorporated.

Step 5

Mix in the dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnishing with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1939.4 grams (1939.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5208

Total Fat 294.20g	377%
Saturated Fat 174.50g	873%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 896mg	299%
Sodium 5293mg	230%
Total Carbohydrate 413.10g	150%
Dietary Fiber 18.20g	65%
Total Sugars 51.60g
Protein 213.50g	427%

Vitamin D 395IU	1975%
Calcium 4529mg	348%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 1534mg	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: 51.4%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 32.1%