Yankee Macaroni Cheese

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this decadent Yankee Macaroni Cheese recipe—a creamy, baked twist on a beloved classic. Featuring a luscious blend of sharp white cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, this dish is elevated with a hint of Dijon mustard and a touch of nutmeg for a uniquely flavorful and silky sauce. Topped with golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and crispy texture. Ready in just under an hour, it’s ideal for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly rich, this baked macaroni and cheese is sure to become a go-to favorite on your comfort food menu!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese, one handful at a time, until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Mix in the Dijon mustard, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 7

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated evenly.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over 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 the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy and crispy Yankee Macaroni Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1838.9 grams (1838.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4965

Total Fat 302.80g	388%
Saturated Fat 166.00g	830%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 832mg	277%
Sodium 3402mg	148%
Total Carbohydrate 366.70g	133%
Dietary Fiber 15.20g	54%
Total Sugars 51.00g
Protein 179.30g	359%

Vitamin D 394IU	1971%
Calcium 3841mg	295%
Iron 17mg	97%
Potassium 1399mg	30%

*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: 55.5%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 29.9%