Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 3 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with ground mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the pasta.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect blend.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Add cooked bacon, lobster, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg