Name: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: American

Real Life of Lulu Verified

January 23, 2026

Get ready for the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese ever! With sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and a hint of smoked paprika, this dish is all about cozy, gooey goodness. Topped with a crunchy layer of buttery panko and Parmesan, it’s perfect for family dinners, chilly nights, or whenever you need a serious comfort food fix!

From the Cook

1/9

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Real Life of Lulu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350℉.

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.

Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Once melted, whisk the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Gradually whisk in the milk and whipping cream, making sure there are no lumps.

Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted completely and smooth.

Taste and add more seasoning or salt and pepper as needed.

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until completely combined.

Pour the macaroni and cheese into the greased casserole dish.

In a small saucepan, melt the rest of the butter (4 tablespoons).

Once melted, mix in the panko breadcrumbs until they are well coated.

In a small bowl, combine the buttered panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese evenly.

Bake at 350℉ for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Cheese Blend Magic 🧀
Grate your own cheese blend fresh, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy and prevent smooth melting.
Roux Perfection 🥄
When making the cheese sauce, cook your flour and butter roux for 2-3 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a more complex, nutty flavor base.
Panko Crunch Technique 🥣
Toast your panko breadcrumbs in a little butter before topping the mac and cheese to ensure maximum crispiness and a golden-brown, restaurant-quality finish.
Cream Temperature Trick 🥛
Warm your milk and cream before adding to the roux to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth cheese sauce with perfect consistency.
Cheese Melting Wisdom 🔥
Remove the sauce from direct heat before adding cheese and stir gently to prevent breaking or becoming oily, creating a perfectly creamy texture.